The state’s 2024 crop conditions saw moderate improvements in this week’s Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Iowa farmers had 5.9 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending July 21, with most activity centered on harvesting oats for grain, cutting and baling hay, and applying fungicides. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says, “Severe thunderstorms early last week gave way to a cooler and quieter string of days as corn pollination is underway across the state. Temperatures look to warm up through the week for county fairgoers.” Corn silking reached 68 percent, one day behind last year but two days ahead of the five-year average. Corn crop at the dough stage reached 18 percent, two days ahead of last year and five days ahead of the five-year average. Corn conditions were rated at 75 percent good to excellent. Soybeans blooming reached 69 percent, five days behind last year but equal to the five-year average. Soybeans setting pods reached 25 percent, two days behind last year and a day behind the five-year average. Soybean conditions were 74 percent good to excellent. Topsoil moisture conditions rated 11 percent short to very short, 81 percent adequate, and eight percent surplus. Subsoil moisture conditions rated 11 percent short to very short, 80 percent adequate, and nine percent surplus. The complete Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report is available online at www.nass.usda.gov.
