Iowa farmers are facing dry conditions as cooler, drier weather continues. The state received only 0.28 inches of precipitation last week, which is well below the average of 0.90 inches. As a result, topsoil moisture conditions are 15 percent very short, 38 percent short, 46 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture conditions are 19 percent very short, 44 percent short, 36 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus.
Corn and soybean development is ahead of schedule, but crops are starting to show stress. Corn is 92 percent in the dough stage and 39 percent dented, while soybeans are 94 percent setting pods and 4 percent starting to turn color. However, crop condition ratings have declined slightly, with corn now rated 60 percent good to excellent and soybeans rated 59 percent good to excellent.
Livestock producers are also feeling the effects of the drought. Many farmers are having to supplement their herds with hay due to the lack of pasture growth. The drought is also affecting the availability of water for livestock, as well as for irrigation.
The Iowa Department of Agriculture is urging farmers to take steps to conserve water and protect their crops. Farmers can do this by planting cover crops, using irrigation efficiently, and adopting other water-saving practices.
The drought is expected to continue in the coming weeks. Farmers are hoping for some rain to help improve crop conditions. However, the outlook for rain is not good, and the drought is likely to continue to cause problems for Iowa farmers.
Photo Credit: istock-fotokostic
Categories: Iowa, Crops, Weather