Weekly Crop Report, Aug 16, 2016

Above normal precipitation across much of Iowa limited fieldwork to 4.3 days suitable for the week ending August 14, 2016, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Activities for the week included cutting hay and fungicide and insecticide applications. Spraying activities were wrapping up in some areas.

Topsoil moisture levels rated 1 percent very short, 7 percent short, 83 percent adequate and 9 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 2 percent very short, 9 percent short, 83 percent adequate and 6 percent surplus.

Eighty percent of the corn crop was in or beyond the dough stage, 5 days ahead of last year and 10 days ahead of the 5-year average. Twenty-three percent of Iowa’s corn crop reached the dent stage, 3 days ahead of normal. Corn condition rated 83 percent good to excellent. Soybeans blooming reached 97 percent, 8 days ahead of the previous year. Eighty-seven percent of soybeans were setting pods, with a few scattered reports of soybeans starting to turn color. Soybean condition rated 83 percent good to excellent, although there were scattered reports of Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) across the State. Ninety-five percent of the oat crop for grain or seed has been harvested, equal to last year’s pace.

The third cutting of alfalfa hay is 52 percent complete, 4 days ahead of average. Hay condition rated 73 percent good to excellent, while pasture condition rated 62 percent good to excellent. Livestock conditions were reported as normal.

Source:  Iowa Dept of Ag