Iowa's crop condition rating takes another hit

With only spotty rains across most areas of the State, farmers had 6.0 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending June 20, 2021 according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Field activities included spraying post emergence herbicides, side dressing nitrogen, and harvesting hay.

Topsoil moisture levels rated 25% very short, 39% short, 35% adequate and 1% surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 23% very short, 46% short, 31% adequate and 0% surplus. Crops showed signs of stress from the lack of precipitation and high heat. Farmers reported corn curling and ground cracking in some areas.

Iowa’s corn condition rated 56% good to excellent, 7 percentage points below the past week. Soybean emergence was 96% complete, 1 week ahead of the 5-year average. Across the State, 7% of soybeans were blooming, also 1 week ahead of normal. There were scattered reports of soybeans setting pods. Soybean condition declined to 57% good to excellent.

Oats headed or beyond reached 74% with 13% turning color, 1 week ahead of the 5-year average. Iowa’s oat condition rated 54% good to excellent. The first cutting of alfalfa hay reached 95% complete, 9 days ahead of normal. There were scattered reports of farmers completing a second cutting. Hay condition continued to fall to 49% good to excellent, 6 percentage points below last week.

Pasture condition also continued to drop this week to 37% good to excellent. Heat and continued dry conditions are stressing livestock.


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