Northwest Iowa — Continued precipitation, heavy in some areas of the state, resulted in 4.7 days suitable for fieldwork last week, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Here in the northwestern part of the state, we experienced 5.3 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the report.
Precipitation and cooler nights benefited grain and pod fill, according to the report. Activities for the week included harvesting oats and cutting hay when ground conditions were dry enough.
The report said topsoil moisture levels rated 1 percent very short, 6 percent short, 85 percent adequate and 8 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 1 percent very short, 8 percent short, 84 percent adequate and 7 percent surplus. South central and southeast Iowa continue to report the lowest subsoil moisture levels in the State.
Ninety percent of the corn crop reached the dough stage or beyond, 10 days ahead of the 5-year average, with 45 percent dented or beyond, 6 days ahead of last year and 4 days ahead of normal. There were scattered reports of corn showing signs of maturity. Corn condition rated 83 percent good to excellent. Soybeans setting pods reached 92 percent, 5 days ahead of last year and 4 days ahead of normal. Three percent of soybeans have started to turn color. Soybean condition rated 82 percent good to excellent, although there were reports of sudden death and white mold in some soybean fields. Harvesting of oats for grain or seed was nearing completion, according to the report.
You can see the complete Iowa Crop Progress & Condition Report from the USDA, National Agriculture Statistics Service, by clicking here.
