Northwest Iowa — After a week of wild weather, including a powerful derecho that brought 99 mph wind gusts to Sioux Center, two spin-up tornadoes observed in Lyon County, and Canadian wildfire smoke that brought poor air quality to the area, crops across Northwest Iowa are showing remarkable resilience. The latest USDA Crop Progress Report, released August 4, paints a picture of strong growth and solid condition ratings for both corn and soybeans—despite storm damage and saturated fields.
In the Northwest District, 97% of corn fields are silking, and 53% have reached the dough stage, matching the statewide average. Corn condition remains robust, with 85% rated good to excellent, and only 1% rated poor or very poor. Soybeans are also ahead of schedule, with 97% blooming and 73% setting pods, well above the state average of 65%. Soybeans show 80% rated good to excellent.
But the derecho’s impact is still being felt. The storm flattened crops in some areas and left standing water in low-lying fields. Farmers in the Northwest District had just 3.1 days suitable for fieldwork, below the state average of 3.8. Topsoil moisture is high, with 36% rated surplus, and subsoil moisture follows closely at 25% surplus—a direct result of heavy rains that soaked the region.
Statewide, the week’s average precipitation was more than double the norm, with Orange City reporting 5 inches of rain. Temperatures dipped below average for the first time in weeks, offering a brief reprieve from summer heat but contributing to slower drying.
While the derecho left its mark, cooler temperatures [in the reporting period] and ample moisture may help crops recover. With August underway, farmers are watching closely as the growing season enters its critical final stretch. Despite the challenges, local growers remain hopeful.
The full report is available at the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service website.
(Courtesy fellow Community First Broadcasting station KSOU in Sioux Center)
