Weather conditions might be good for farms this fall

The latest Iowa Crop Report holds out hope for Northeast Iowa farmers who are still recovering from a very wet and cool spring.

The initial fall weather outlook predicts warmer-than-normal temperatures in September, October and November.

Statewide, 76 percent of the corn crop has reached the dough stage, 11 days behind last year and 9 days behind the 5-year average. Nearly all the soybean crop has started to bloom at 96 percent statewide, 11 days behind average. The third cutting of alfalfa hay reached 49 percent, 11 days behind average. Hay condition rated 57 percent good to excellent. Pasture condition improved slightly for the first time in 7 weeks and rated 44 percent good to excellent.