Very little precipitation across the State resulted in 6.3 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending July 31, 2022, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Increasingly dry conditions are a concern for many. Fieldwork included cutting and baling hay and pesticide applications. Topsoil moisture condition rated 17 percent very short, 32 percent short, 50 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 15 percent very short, 31 percent short, 53 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus.
Corn silking or beyond was 87 percent, 2 days behind both last year and the 5-year average. Thirty percent of the corn crop has reached the dough stage or beyond, 3 days behind last year but even with the average. One percent of Iowa’s corn crop has reached the dent stage, 6 days behind last year and 3 days behind the average. Corn condition fell slightly to 76 percent good to excellent.
Eighty-three percent of soybeans were blooming, 1 week behind last year and 2 days behind average. Fifty-two percent of the soybean crop was setting pods, 6 days behind last year and 1 day behind the 5-year average. Iowa’s soybean condition declined slightly to 73 percent good to excellent.
Ninety-one percent of oats were turning color or beyond, 8 days behind last year. Oats harvested for grain reached 64 percent, 1 day behind last year and the average. Eighty-nine percent of the State’s second cutting of alfalfa hay was complete, with the third cutting at 13 percent. All hay condition rated 61 percent good to excellent.
Pasture condition rated 47 percent good to excellent. Lack of rain stressed pastures and livestock last week.