Where the tall corn grows

Northwest Iowa crops are hitting the home stretch as harvest season creeps closer to the horizon.

Local producers are reporting few major complaints thus far. Alic Mohni, an agronomist with Growmark FS, said things will be looking even better this month if the region gets well-timed precipitation.

"If we can catch some moisture pretty soon here, I think things are going to be really good in the fall," he said. "We're kind of borderline right now and lacking a bit on reserves. So if we can get some shots of rain, that will put us in a really good spot."

Soybeans are currently setting pods and many farmers are wrapping up fungicide application. Mohni said that would probably shift to pesticides soon, as aphids have become a problem in some area fields.

Weeds have also been an issue, but minus a few spots of isolated hail damage north and west of Hartley, the growing season has progressed unfettered.

"It's been pretty uneventful, really," Mohni said.

Drought was an early concern among area farmers; however, summer precipitation levels have been somewhat decent. As per the latest U.S. Drought Monitor report, O'Brien and Clay counties are listed as "Abnormally Dry" and "Moderate Drought." Other parts of Iowa are far worse of, with isolated sections experiencing much drier conditions.

The report did not include last week's scorching temperatures, however.

"We've had some spotty rains and some areas are running shorter and experiencing more stress than others, but right around Hartley we're doing pretty good," Mohni said.

Mohni traveled to Coralville earlier this week for a series of work-related meetings, which allowed him to see a diverse swath of Iowa crops during his trip.

"Right now I think we look better than anywhere else," he said.

• State Crop Report

Monday's Iowa Crop and Condition Report from the USDA indicated the state's corn and soybean fields were progressing more rapidly than 2022.

Corn silking hit 92 percent last week, one week ahead of last year and five days ahead of normal. Thirty-seven percent of the corn crop has reached the dough stage or beyond, three days ahead of both last year and the five-year average. Five percent of the corn crop has reached the dent stage, eight days ahead of last year and six days ahead of normal. Corn condition dropped to 59 percent good-to-excellent.

Ninety-three percent of soybeans were blooming, nearly two weeks ahead of last year and 11 days ahead of the average. Soybeans setting pods reached 57 percent, three days ahead of last year and two days ahead of the five-year average. Soybean condition fell to 55 percent good-to-excellent.

Ninety-eight percent of oats were turning color with 55 percent harvested for grain, a day behind both last year and the five-year average. Oat condition rated 55 percent good-to-excellent.