March 19, 2024

More than 80 percent crops in good or excellent condition

DES MOINES (AP) — Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey commented on the Iowa Crops and Weather report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistical Service.

“In general crops remain in good condition, with 83 percent of corn and 82 percent of beans rated good or excellent, and are ahead of the five-year average for maturity,” Northey said.

The report summary follows here:

Continued precipitation, heavy in some areas of the State, resulted in 4.7 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending Aug. 21. Precipitation and cooler nights benefited grain and pod fill. Activities for the week included harvesting oats and cutting hay when ground conditions were dry enough.

Topsoil moisture levels rated 1 percent very short, 6 percent short, 85 percent adequate and 8 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 1 percent very short, 8 percent short, 84 percent adequate and 7 percent surplus. South central and southeast Iowa continue to report the lowest subsoil moisture levels in the State.

Ninety percent of the corn crop reached the dough stage or beyond, 10 days ahead of the five-year average, with 45 percent dented or beyond, six days ahead of last year and four days ahead of normal. There were scattered reports of corn showing signs of maturity. Corn condition rated 83 percent good to excellent. Soybeans setting pods reached 92 percent, five days ahead of last year and four days ahead of normal. Three percent of soybeans have started to turn color. Soybean condition rated 82 percent good to excellent, although there were reports of sudden death and white mold in some soybean fields. Harvesting of oats for grain or seed was nearing completion.

The third cutting of alfalfa hay was 66 percent complete, four days ahead of average. Pasture condition rated 64 percent good to excellent. Livestock experienced little stress with near ideal conditions.