Crop progress report shows steady growth

DES MOINES — Little precipitation and above average temperatures resulted in 5.6 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending July 17, 2022, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Fieldwork included cutting hay and starting fungicide applications.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 6% very short, 24% short, 66% adequate and 4% surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 8% very short, 23% short, 65% adequate and 4% surplus.

Corn silking or beyond was 31%, 4 days behind both last year and the 5-year average. Scattered reports throughout the State showed 1% of the corn crop reached the dough stage. Corn condition rating was 81% good to excellent.

Fifty-five percent of soybeans were blooming, 6 days behind last year and 2 days behind average. Thirteen percent of the soybean crop was setting pods, 1 week behind last year and 3 days behind the 5-year average. Iowa’s soybean condition rating was 78% good to excellent.

Nearly all the oat crop has headed, with 67% of oats turning color or beyond, 1 week behind last year. Oat harvest for grain reached 16%, 3 days behind last year. Iowa’s oat condition was 81% good to excellent.

Fifty-five percent of the State’s second cutting of alfalfa hay was complete. All hay condition rated 72% good to excellent. Pasture condition rated 57% good to excellent.

Livestock were stressed due to above average heat and humidity with pinkeye in cattle still an issue.