Iowa Weekly Crop Report, July 9, 2017

Hot, dry weather prevailed across Iowa during the week ending July 9, 2017, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Statewide there were 6.3 days suitable for fieldwork. Activities for the week included hauling grain, applying herbicides, cultivating, and haying.

Topsoil moisture levels rated 12 percent very short, 28 percent short, 58 percent adequate and 2 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 7 percent very short, 22 percent short, 69 percent adequate and 2 percent surplus. Over one-half of southeast Iowa’s topsoil has fallen to the very short moisture level category with almost one third of the subsoil also in the very short moisture level category.

Seven percent of Iowa’s corn crop has reached the silking stage, 6 days behind the five-year average. As corn in the State begins pollination, many reporters mentioned the need for rain in the next few weeks. Seventy-seven percent of the corn crop was rated in good to excellent condition. One-third of the soybean crop was blooming, with five percent of soybeans setting pods, 3 days ahead of average. Soybean condition rated 67 percent good to excellent. Nearly all the oat crop has headed with half turning color or beyond, one week behind last year and 3 days behind average. Oat condition rated 76 percent good to excellent. Scattered reports of oats harvested for grain were received.

The second cutting of alfalfa hay reached 53 percent complete, 4 days behind last year but 5 days ahead of average. Hay condition rated 67 percent good to excellent. Pasture condition continues to decline with 55 percent good to excellent. Feedlots were reported to be in good condition as a result of the dry weather, but livestock were stressed from the heat.

Source:  Iowa Dept of Ag