Dry conditions continued across northwest Iowa and much of the state last week as Iowa’s corn and soybean crops moved closer to harvest while remaining predominantly in good-to-excellent condition.
Most Iowa reporting stations received below-normal rainfall during the week ending Sunday, August 23. The heaviest amounts were generally confined to southern Iowa, while many stations recorded no measurable precipitation.
Statewide rainfall averaged 0.24 inch, about one-quarter of the normal 0.93 inch. Farmers had 5.2 days suitable for fieldwork, compared with 5.6 days during the same week last year.
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says farmers are closely watching conditions as crops mature.
“Beautiful weather throughout much of last week helped cap off an incredibly successful Iowa State Fair, with fairgoers turning out in record numbers,” Naig said. “As students and families settle into the routines of a new school year, farmers are keeping an eye on the forecast as crops continue to mature. Warmer temperatures and near-normal rainfall into early September should help keep the crops moving along as we inch closer to the busy fall harvest season.”
Corn Reaches Dent Stage Ahead of Last Year
Ninety percent of Iowa’s corn crop had reached the dough stage, three percentage points ahead of last year.
Forty-seven percent had reached the dent stage, five points ahead of last year. One percent of the crop had reached maturity, two points behind last year.
Overall corn condition was rated 78 percent good to excellent.
Soybeans setting pods reached 88 percent, one percentage point behind last year. Soybean condition was rated 77 percent good to excellent.
The oat harvest was 97 percent complete, one point ahead of last year. Pasture condition was rated 65 percent good to excellent.
Topsoil moisture was rated 70 percent adequate and 11 percent surplus. Sixteen percent was considered short and three percent very short.
Subsoil moisture was rated 66 percent adequate and eight percent surplus, while 21 percent was short and five percent very short.
Cooler Weather Ends The Reporting Week
Temperatures averaged 71.1 degrees statewide, one-half degree above normal.
Fog developed across portions of northern Iowa Monday, Saturday and again early Sunday. A cold front cleared the state Saturday, shifting winds to the north and bringing cooler conditions to the region.
The Spencer Municipal Airport reported 47 degrees Sunday morning, 11 degrees below normal. Several Iowa stations had reached the week’s high of 89 degrees earlier in the reporting period.
