(Des Moines) Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented Monday on the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service.
“As we approach the one year anniversary of the August 10 derecho, the costliest thunderstorm in U.S. history, we are reminded of the resilience of Iowa’s agriculture community,” said Secretary Naig. “As weather continues to keep us on our toes, we have seen extreme drought conditions expand across parts of northern Iowa. Forecasts show warm and dry conditions with a few scattered thunderstorms possible in the week ahead.”
Iowa farmers had 5.7 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending August 8, 2021, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Field activities continue to include applying fungicides and insecticides and harvesting hay and oats. Some areas of the State have had haying and grazing of CRP lands approved in response to drought conditions.
Topsoil moisture levels rated 18% very short, 35% short, 46% adequate and 1% surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 22% very short, 42% short, 36% adequate and 0% surplus. Topsoil moisture levels improved slightly in northwest Iowa while central Iowa topsoil moisture levels deteriorated. Central Iowa topsoil moisture rated 83% short to very short. Northwest and Central Iowa subsoil moisture both rated 84% or more short to very short.
Corn silking or beyond reached 96%, equal to the 5-year average. Corn in or beyond the dough stage reached 64%, four days ahead of average. Eleven percent of the corn crop has reached the dent stage, three days ahead of the 5-year average. Iowa’s corn condition was rated 61% good to excellent. Ninety-seven percent of soybeans were blooming, 10 days ahead of the 5-year average. Soybeans setting pods reached 84%, eight days ahead of normal. Soybean condition was rated 60% good to excellent. Oats harvested for grain reached 86%, one day behind the 5-year average.
The second cutting of alfalfa hay reached 97% complete. The third cutting was reported at 36% complete, equal to the 5-year average. Hay condition rated 55% good to excellent. Pasture condition was rated 35% good to excellent.
The weekly report is also available on the USDA’s website at nass.usda.gov.
