March 29, 2024

Corn, beans in good condition; southern Iowa see crop stress

DES MOINES – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey commented recently on the Iowa Crops and Weather report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistical Service.

“The warm temperatures have helped crops progress and in general they remain in good condition, with 79 percent of corn and 80 percent of beans rated as good to excellent. Unfortunately, some areas, especially in the southern two-thirds of Iowa, are becoming very dry and are seeing signs of crop stress. Also, portions of northern Iowa have receive too much rain or damaging storms that have caused some crop damage,” Northey said.

Very warm conditions and spotty rains prevailed across much of Iowa during the week ending June 19. High temperatures and lack of precipitation, especially across the lower two-thirds of the State is stressing some crops, causing corn leaves to curl. Activities for the week included cutting hay, chemical applications, cultivation and nitrogen side dressing.

More than three-quarters of Iowa’s corn crop continues to be rated in good to excellent condition. Soybean emergence reached 97 percent, 11 days ahead of both last year and the five-year average. Soybean condition rated 80 percent good to excellent.

Oats headed reached 81 percent this week, 6 days ahead of normal. Oat condition was rated 80 percent good to excellent. The first cutting of alfalfa hay reached 96 percent complete this week, more than two weeks ahead of the average. Hay conditions rated 78 percent good to excellent. Pasture condition fell to 72 percent good to excellent. Some stress on livestock was reported as a result of heat.