Iowa Crop Report, July 13, 2016

Reports of corn silking, soybeans setting pods, and oats being harvested for grain were received for the week ending July 12, 2015, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Statewide there were 4.8 days suitable for fieldwork. Activities for the week included cutting hay, cultivating and applying herbicides.

Topsoil moisture levels rated 0 percent very short, 3 percent short, 77 percent adequate and 20 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 0 percent very short, 3 percent short, 78 percent adequate and 19 percent surplus. Reporters in north central and northwest Iowa expressed a need for additional precipitation.

Seventeen percent of the corn crop reached the silking stage, 2 days behind last year and 3 days behind the 5-year average. Eighty-two percent of the corn crop was rated good to excellent. Soybeans blooming or beyond reached 40 percent, with some reports of soybeans setting pods. Soybean condition rated 78 percent good to excellent this week. Nearly all of the State’s oats were headed or beyond. Oat acreage turning color reached 69 percent, with 13 percent of the oat crop harvested, 4 days ahead of last year, but 2 days behind normal. Eighty-two percent of the oat crop rated good to excellent.

The second cutting of alfalfa hay reached 40 percent, 5 days ahead of last year, but 4 days behind average. Hay condition was rated at 71 percent good to excellent, while pasture condition rated 79 percent good to excellent. Livestock stress levels increased as temperatures and humidity climbed late in the week.

Source:  Iowa Dept. of Ag