Iowa experienced scattered storms across the State that
delivered high winds and hail limiting opportunities
for fieldwork during the week ending June 30, 2019,
according to the USDA, National Agricultural
Statistics Service. Statewide there were 4.4 days
suitable for fieldwork. Fieldwork activities included
planting, harvesting hay and spraying.
Topsoil moisture condition was rated 0 percent very
short, 2 percent short, 74 percent adequate and
24 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition was
rated 0 percent very short, 1 percent short, 69 percent
adequate and 30 percent surplus.
Corn condition improved to 64 percent good to
excellent.
Soybean planting has nearly finished with
97 percent of the expected soybean crop planted.
Ninety percent of the crop has emerged, over
two weeks behind the 5-year average, and one percent
has started to bloom. Soybean condition rated
64 percent good to excellent, also an improvement
from last week. Seventy-nine percent of the oat crop
has headed, 8 days behind last year and average.
Nine percent of the crop has started coloring, nearly a
week behind average. Oat condition rated 64 percent
good to excellent.
Eighty-three percent of the first cutting of alfalfa hay
has been cut, two weeks behind average. Reports that
a second cutting of alfalfa hay has also began across
the State. Hay condition declined to 63 percent good
to excellent. Pasture condition rated 70 percent good
to excellent. Livestock experienced some stress with
the recent heat. Feedlots remain muddy, but have
started to improve.