NORTHEY COMMENTS ON IOWA CROPS AND WEATHER REPORT
DES MOINES – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey today commented on the Iowa Crops and Weather report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistical Service. The report is released weekly from April through October.
“Fortunately, much of the state has seen very favorable weather and crops continue to progress,” Northey said. “Recent projections show that Iowa still has the potential to have a very good crop, but continued good weather and a later than normal frost is a necessity.”
The report follows here:
WEATHER FAVORS STATE FAIR, LIVESTOCK, AND BUSY FARMERS
Agricultural Summary: Dry weather and mild temperatures favored State Fair goers, livestock, and farmers harvesting oats and hay. Spraying for aphids in soybeans also continued with few delays across most of the state. In addition, fungicide applications increased on field crops this week.
There were 5.9 days suitable for fieldwork, compared to 4.0 days last year at this time. Topsoil moisture rated 2 percent very short, 19 percent short, 72 percent adequate, and 7 percent surplus across the state. Subsoil moisture rated 1 percent very short, 11 percent short, 76 percent adequate, and 12 percent surplus.
Field Crops Report: Corn silked is 95 percent, which is 13 days behind last year and 11 days behind the five-year average. Corn in the milk stage is 70 percent, 12 days behind last year and 9 days behind the five-year average. Corn in the dough stage is 30 percent, 37 percentage points behind last year and 30 percentage points behind the five-year average. Corn condition rated 2 percent very poor, 7 percent poor, 22 percent fair, 50 percent good, and 19 percent excellent. Ninety-six percent of soybeans are blooming, two weeks behind last year and the five-year average. Soybeans setting pods rated 80 percent, 13 days behind last year and 10 days behind the five-year average. Soybean condition rated 2 percent very poor, 7 percent poor, 26 percent fair, 49 percent good, and 16 percent excellent. Oats harvested for grain is 91 percent complete, 8 percentage points behind the five-year average. Second cutting of alfalfa is 91 percent complete, 9 percentage points behind the five-year average. Third cutting of alfalfa is 22 percent complete, nearly 2 weeks behind last year and the five-year average. All hay condition rated 2 percent very poor, 9 percent poor, 32 percent fair, 47 percent good, and 10 percent excellent.
Livestock, Pasture and Range Report: Pasture and range condition rated 2 percent very poor, 8 percent poor, 31 percent fair, 45 percent good, and 14 percent excellent.
