DES MOINES — Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey commented on the Iowa Crops and Weather report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistical Service.
“The strong storms and heavy rains that rolled through Iowa last week have stressed crops, flooded some fields and limited farmers’ ability to get needed work done. Spraying weeds, side-dressing fertilizer, making hay and other activities were all slowed by the wet weather. Some farmers in Southwest and South Central Iowa may be forced to take prevented-planting coverage on some fields they will not be able to plant before July 1,” Northey said.
Severe weather conditions rolled through Iowa this week as high winds, isolated hail and plenty of rain occurred during the week ending June 28. Statewide there were three days suitable for fieldwork. Activities for the week included cutting hay, herbicide and fungicide applications and some nitrogen side dressing. Excessive moisture is stressing some crops, causing small drowned-out areas and preventing farmers from controlling weeds.
Topsoil moisture levels rated to 0 percent very short, 1 percent short, 68 percent adequate and 31 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 0 percent very short, 2 percent short, 72 percent adequate and 26 percent surplus. Eighty-three percent of the corn crop was rated good to excellent. Soybean emergence reached 96 percent, 11 days behind 2014.
Soybean condition rated 78 percent good to excellent this week. With 90 percent of the oat crop headed or beyond, conditions declined slightly to 81 percent good to excellent.
Pasture condition rated 81 percent good to excellent. Muddy feedlots and increased insect pressure elevated livestock stress levels.