USDA: conditions remain ‘relatively dry’

Central and Southeast Iowa were the recipients of above average precipitation which limited days suitable for fieldwork to 4.7 during the week ending Aug. 13, 2023, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service.

“Several weather systems brought widespread rainfall with near to above-normal totals at more than half of Iowa’s stations,” State Climatologist Justin Glisan said in Iowa’s latest Crop Progress & Condition Report. “Nearly 60 stations had an inch or more on Friday (Aug. 11) morning with the highest amounts in Muscatine and Story counties, where totals varied from 2.16 inches to 2.50 inches.”

Field activities for the week included cutting and baling hay as well as harvesting oats. Continued precipitation has helped alleviate further crop stress although conditions remain relatively dry.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 13 percent very short, 34 percent short, 51 percent adequate and 2 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 20 percent very short, 43 percent short, 36 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus.

Corn in the dough stage reached 78 percent this week, five days ahead of both last year and the 5-year average. Twenty-three percent of the corn crop was dented, five days ahead of last year and three days ahead of normal. Corn condition rated 58 percent good to excellent.

Soybeans setting pods reached 87 percent, one week ahead of last year and six days ahead of the average. Some reports of soybeans starting to turn color were received this week. Soybean condition improved to 58 percent good to excellent.

Oats harvested for grain reached 95 percent.

The State’s third cutting of alfalfa hay reached 68 percent complete, 17 days ahead of last year and 13 days ahead of the average.

Pasture condition improved slightly to 24 percent good to excellent. Livestock producers have continued to supplement with hay in the prolonged dry conditions, but overall livestock conditions have been decent with the lower-than-average temperatures this week.