Iowa Crop Progress Report: Crops are progressing faster than last year

Posted: Tue, Jul 7, 2020 10:18 AM

Iowa's latest Crop Progress Report shows that crops are progressing ahead of last year's rates.

There were reports of corn silking across much of the state with an average of 5 percent, almost 1 week ahead of the previous year but 2 days behind the 5-year average. Corn condition rated 85% good to excellent.

Soybean blooming reached 37%, almost 2 weeks ahead of last year and 6 days ahead of average. There were scattered reports of soybeans beginning to set pods. Soybean condition rated 84% good to excellent.

Oats headed progressed to 94%, 5 days ahead of last year. Oats turning color reached 36%, 4 days ahead of last year but 2 days behind the average. Oat condition rated 85% good to excellent.

Alfalfa hay second cutting reached 38%, 11 days ahead of last year and 2 days ahead of the average. Hay condition rated 77% good to excellent. Pasture condition rated 69% good to excellent. There were reports of heat stress affecting cattle as well as continuing issues of pinkeye for cow/calf producers.

Little to no precipitation for much of Iowa allowed farmers 6 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending July 5th, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Fieldwork activities include applying fertilizer, spraying, harvesting hay and hauling grain.

Topsoil moisture levels rated 3% very short, 19% short, 76% adequate and 2% surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 2% very short, 14% short, 81% adequate and 3% surplus.