Although some areas of the State received over 3.0 inches of rain, statewide Iowa farmers had 5.7 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending July 19, 2020, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Fieldwork activities included spraying, harvesting hay and grain movement.
Topsoil moisture levels rated 9% very short, 20% short, 69% adequate and 2% surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 6% very short, 19% short, 73% adequate and 2% surplus.
Corn silking or beyond reached 69%, 9 days ahead of the previous year and 3 days ahead of the 5-year average. Corn in the dough stage reached 6%, 8 days ahead of the previous year and 4 days ahead of the 5-year average. Corn condition rated 80% good to excellent.
Soybeans blooming reached 74%, 2 weeks ahead of last year and 5 days ahead of average. Soybeans setting pods reached 29%, just over 2 weeks ahead of last year and 4 days ahead of average. Soybean condition rated 79% good to excellent.
Oats turning color reached 90%, 8 days ahead of last year and 4 days ahead of the average. Oats harvested for grain reached 24%, 5 days ahead of last year but 1 day behind the average. Oat condition rated 81% good to excellent.
Alfalfa hay second cutting reached 76%, 9 days ahead of last year and 4 days ahead of the average. Hay condition rated 68% good to excellent. Pasture condition rated 56% good to excellent. Heat stress and increased insect populations continue to affect livestock.