Limited rain over much of Iowa resulted in 6.1 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending July 24, 2022, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Fieldwork included cutting hay as well as insecticide and fungicide applications.
Topsoil moisture condition rated 12 percent very short, 26 percent short, 61 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 11 percent very short, 25 percent short, 63 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus.
Corn silking or beyond was 66 percent, 4 days behind last year and 3 days behind the 5-year average. Eight percent of the corn crop has reached the dough stage, 5 days behind last year and 2 days behind average. Corn condition rating was 80 percent good to excellent. Seventy-two percent of soybeans were blooming, 1 week behind last year and 2 days behind average.
Thirty-two percent of the soybean crop was setting pods, 5 days behind last year and 1 day behind the 5-year average. Iowa’s soybean condition rating was 75 percent good to excellent.
Eighty-two percent of oats were turning color or beyond, 1 week behind last year. Oats harvested for grain reached 38 percent, 2 days behind last year. Iowa’s oat condition was 78 percent good to excellent. Seventy-seven percent of the State’s second cutting of alfalfa hay was complete, with the third cutting under way at 3 percent. All hay condition rated 66 percent good to excellent.
Pasture condition rated 50 percent good to excellent. Some producers already had to begin supplementing with hay. Flies and above average heat and humidity were stressing livestock with cattle still struggling with pinkeye