Statewide Iowa — Although isolated areas of Iowa received substantial rain, statewide farmers had 6.1 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending August 15, 2021, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Some areas of the State had no measurable precipitation during the week. Due to drought conditions, haying and grazing of CRP land continues. Field activities included harvesting hay and oats.
Topsoil moisture levels rated 23% very short, 38% short, 38% adequate and 1% surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 27% very short, 40% short, 33% adequate and 0% surplus. Topsoil moisture levels in Central and East Central Iowa were the lowest in the State, with more than 80% rated short to very short.
Corn in or beyond the dough stage reached 83%, one week ahead of the 5-year average. Twenty-nine percent of the corn crop has reached the dent stage, four days ahead of normal. There were scattered reports of corn reaching the mature stage. Iowa’s corn condition rated 58% good to excellent. Soybeans setting pods reached 90%, one week ahead of normal. Across the State, there were scattered reports of soybeans coloring. Soybean condition was rated 58% good to excellent. Oats harvested for grain reached 93%, three days behind the 5-year average.
The third cutting of alfalfa hay reached 54% complete, two days ahead of the 5-year average. Hay condition rated 55% good to excellent. Pasture condition was rated 33% good to excellent. In some areas of the State, pastures have stopped growing due to lack of rain. No comments concerning livestock were received.
