Iowa farmers are facing a challenging growing season as heat and dryness continue. The statewide average temperature was 77.9 degrees, 4.8 degrees above normal. Rainfall was also below average, with many areas receiving less than half of their normal amount of rain.
This dry weather has put a strain on crops, especially corn and soybeans. Corn silking was 92% complete this week, 1 week ahead of last year and 5 days ahead of normal. However, corn condition has dropped to 59% good to excellent, down from 74% last week. Soybeans were blooming this week, nearly 2 weeks ahead of last year and 11 days ahead of the average. However, soybean condition has also fallen, to 55% good to excellent, down from 68% last week.
Livestock producers are also feeling the effects of the dry weather. Some cattle producers have been hauling water and feeding hay to their cattle. Intense heat this week brought a lot of stress to livestock, with some feedlots experiencing death loss.
The outlook for the upcoming week is for continued hot and dry weather. This could lead to further crop stress and livestock losses. Farmers are hoping for some rain in the coming weeks to help relieve the dry conditions.
Photo Credit: istock-cactusoup
Categories: Iowa, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, Livestock, Weather