Weekly Crop Report, August 5, 2018

Iowa farmers had 6.0 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending August 5, 2018, 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, 24 percent short, 61 percent adequate and 3 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 10 percent very short, 21 percent short, 65 percent adequate and 4 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels in south central and southeast Iowa continued to fall with 48 percent considered very short.

Almost the entire corn crop has silked. Fifty-five percent of the corn crop has reached the dough stage or beyond, over a week ahead of average. Corn dented was at eight percent. Corn condition fell to 75 percent good to excellent. Ninety-four percent of the soybean crop was blooming with 81 percent setting pods, over a week ahead of both last year and the average. Soybean condition declined slightly to 74 percent good to excellent. Eighty-two percent of the oat crop has been harvested for grain.

The second cutting of alfalfa hay has neared completion. The third cutting of alfalfa hay was 30 percent complete, 3 days behind the previous year but 4 days ahead of the average. Hay condition fell to 61 percent good to excellent. Pasture conditions declined to 46 percent rated good to excellent. Regrowth of pastures and hay has been a concern, especially in the southern two-thirds of the State.

Source:  Iowa Deptartment of Ag