Weekly Iowa Crop Report, August 7, 2016

Frequent but scattered precipitation throughout the week allowed Iowa farmers 5.1 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending August 7, 2016, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Activities for the week included cutting hay and fungicide and insecticide applications.

Topsoil moisture levels rated 1 percent very short, 11 percent short, 83 percent adequate and 5 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 2 percent very short, 10 percent short, 83 percent adequate and 5 percent surplus. South central and southeast Iowa reported the lowest levels of subsoil moisture with over one-quarter short to very short.

Ninety-eight percent of the corn crop reached the silking stage, 11 days ahead of normal. Sixty-one percent reached the dough stage, 5 days ahead of last year and 9 days ahead of the 5-year average. Seven percent of Iowa’s corn crop reached the dent stage. Corn condition rated 83 percent good to excellent. Soybeans blooming reached 94 percent, 6 days ahead of the previous year. Seventy-nine percent of soybeans were setting pods, one week ahead of normal. Soybean condition rated 82 percent good to excellent. Ninety percent of the oat crop for grain or seed has been harvested.

The second cutting of alfalfa hay reached 97 percent, more than 2 weeks ahead of last year and 9 days ahead of normal. The third cutting of alfalfa hay was 42 percent complete, 6 days ahead of average. Hay condition rated 73 percent good to excellent, while pasture condition rated 62 percent good to excellent. Frequent rains have been good for pastures, but made it difficult to cut and bale hay. Livestock were reported to be in good condition with very little stress.

Source:  Iowa Dept of Ag