Heavy rains affect fieldwork

Much of Iowa received heavy rains which only allowed farmers 3.9 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending June 30, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Field activities were limited due to rain and flooding throughout much of the State.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 1% very short, 7% short, 76% adequate and 16% surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 1% very short, 10% short, 75% adequate and 14% surplus.

Corn silking reached 4%, one day ahead of last year and four days ahead of the five-year average.

Corn condition fell four percentage points to 73% good to excellent.

Soybeans blooming reached 19%, one day behind last year but two days ahead of average.

The condition of the soybean crop was 72% good to excellent.

Ninety-three percent of the oat crop has headed. Oats turning color reached 43%, six days ahead of the average.

Oat condition rated 72% good to excellent.

The State’s second cutting of alfalfa hay reached 17% complete, equal to the five-year average.

Hay condition rated 78% good to excellent. Pasture condition rated 73% good to excellent.

Many feedlots remain muddy due to excess moisture.