Update on Iowa crops

Iowa farmers had 5.5 days suitable for field work during the week ending Aug. 12, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Activities for the week included harvesting hay and oats for grain, spraying for aphids and moving grain.

Topsoil moisture levels rated 12 percent very short, 23 percent short, 62 percent adequate and 3 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 10 percent very short, 21 percent short, 66 percent adequate and 3 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels in south central and southeast Iowa remain critical with more than 85 percent rated short to very short.

Seventy-three percent of the corn crop has reached the dough stage or beyond, nine days ahead of the five-year average. Corn dented was at 22 percent, nine days ahead of last year. Corn condition rated 75 percent good to excellent. Ninety-six percent of the soybean crop was blooming with 89 percent setting pods, more than a week ahead of both last year and the average. Soybean condition declined slightly to 72 percent good to excellent. Ninety-three percent of the oat crop has been harvested for grain.

The third cutting of alfalfa hay was 47 percent complete, four days behind the previous year but four days ahead of the average. Dry conditions have kept alfalfa regrowth very short following the second cutting. Hay condition fell to 56 percent good to excellent. Pasture conditions declined to 44 percent rated good to excellent. Pasture regrowth remains a concern, especially in the southern two-thirds of the state.