Mild temps boost Iowa farmers

By Andi Anderson

Iowa farmers experienced favorable conditions with mild temperatures and below-normal rainfall, allowing for 5.1 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending July 14, 2024, according to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service.

These conditions enabled farmers to engage in various field activities, including harvesting oats for grain, cutting and baling hay, and applying fungicides.

Topsoil moisture conditions were reported as 0 percent very short, 6 percent short, 84 percent adequate, and 10 percent surplus.

Subsoil moisture conditions were rated 1 percent very short, 8 percent short, 82 percent adequate, and 9 percent surplus. These moisture levels are favorable for maintaining crop health and supporting growth.

Corn silking reached 44 percent, which is one day ahead of last year and three days ahead of the five-year average. 6 percent of the corn crop has reached the dough stage, which is five days ahead of the average. The overall corn condition was rated 74 percent good to excellent.

The soybean crop is progressing well, with 50 percent of soybeans blooming, though this is three days behind last year.

Soybean setting pods reached 12 percent, one day behind last year but equal to the five-year average. The condition of the soybean crop was rated 72 percent good to excellent.

Oats are also showing strong progress, with 82 percent turning color, which is five days ahead of the average. Oat harvest for grain is 26 percent complete, which is one week ahead of the average. The condition of the oats was rated 77 percent good to excellent.

The second cutting of alfalfa hay reached 57 percent completion, which is five days behind last year but two days ahead of the average.

The hay condition was rated 78 percent good to excellent. Pasture conditions were rated 71 percent good to excellent, though some pastures remain flooded, and where floodwaters have receded, pastures are covered in silt.

Overall, the mild temperatures and suitable fieldwork days have allowed Iowa farmers to make significant progress in their crop activities.

The favorable weather conditions have supported strong crop development and overall good to excellent conditions across various crops. This positive outlook bodes well for the agricultural sector in Iowa as the growing season continues.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-gabrielabertolini