Dry conditions prominent across Iowa

Although crop progress in Iowa remains ahead of last year, corn and beans could use a drink.

According to the latest crop progress and condition report from the Iowa Department of Agriculture, rain in the southern part of the state was reported and helped last week but dryness persisted over the rest of Iowa. Accumulation is running nearly an inch below average with west central Iowa experiencing the driest conditions and precipitation deficits continuing to accumulate.

Topsoil moisture levels rated 9 percent very short, 20 percent short, 69 percent adequate and 2 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 6 percent very short, 19 percent short, 73 percent adequate and 2 percent surplus.

Corn silking or beyond reached 69 percent, nine days ahead of the previous year and three days ahead of the five-year average. Corn in the dough stage reached 6 percent, eight days ahead of the previous year and four days ahead of the five-year average. Corn condition rated 80 percent good to excellent.

Soybeans blooming reached 74 percent, two weeks ahead of last year and five days ahead of average. Soybeans setting pods reached 29 percent, just over two weeks ahead of last year and four days ahead of average. Soybean condition rated 79 percent good to excellent. Oats turning color reached 90 percent, eight days ahead of last year and four days ahead of the average. Oats harvested for grain reached 24 percent, five days ahead of last year but one day behind the average. Oat condition rated 81 percent good to excellent.

Alfalfa hay second cutting reached 76 percent, nine days ahead of last year and four days ahead of the average. Hay condition rated 68 percent good to excellent. Pasture condition rated 56 percent good to excellent. Heat stress and increased insect populations continue to affect livestock.