Monday's rainfall was appreciated by Winneshiek County farmers

Winneshiek County farm (Photo courtesy of Randy Uhl)

The latest Iowa Crop Report from the Iowa Department of Agriculture says conditions continue to be very good for crop development.

77 percent of corn and 74 percent of soybeans in Iowa are in good to excellent condition. 

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey noted "Much of the state could use a shower, especially to help the soybeans as they set and fill pods during August."  Last week Northeast Iowa had no significant precipitation.  Lack of precipitation caused a drop in soil moisture. Topsoil moisture levels rated 3 percent very short, 23 percent short, 70 percent adequate, and 4 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 2 percent very short, 16 percent short, 78 percent adequate, and 4 percent surplus.

Ninety-three percent of the corn acreage was at or beyond the silking stage, just over 2 weeks ahead of the previous year and 5 days ahead of the five-year average.