Weekly Iowa Crop Report, August 30, 2015

Already saturated fields along with heavy rains on Friday limited fieldwork in the State to 3.9 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending August 30, 2015, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Activities for the week included cutting hay and silage, as well as harvesting oats. Scattered reports of sudden death syndrome and white mold in soybean fields were received.

Topsoil moisture levels rated 0 percent very short, 6 percent short, 78 percent adequate and 16 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 1 percent very short, 7 percent short, 78 percent adequate and 14 percent surplus. Heavy rains in central Iowa raised topsoil and subsoil surplus moisture levels up 13 and 12 percentage points to 28 and 30 percent, respectively.

Ninety-five percent of the corn crop reached the dough stage or beyond, with 57 percent dented or beyond, 3 days ahead of last year, but 3 days behind the 5-year average. Three percent of the corn crop was reported as being mature. Corn condition rated 81 percent good to excellent. Ninety-five percent of soybeans were setting pods or beyond, while 11 percent of soybeans were turning color, 2 days ahead of 2014, but 2 days behind normal. Soybeans dropping leaves were also reported this week by a few reporters. Soybean condition rated 76 percent good to excellent. Oats harvested for grain or seed was virtually complete this week.

The second cutting of alfalfa hay was nearing completion, while the third cutting of alfalfa hay was 67 percent complete, 5 days behind average. Pasture condition rated 66 percent good to excellent. Livestock conditions were reported as generally good, although muddy lots were reported in some areas.

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