Last week’s dry conditions allowed farmers 6.8 days suitable for fieldwork statewide.

According to the USDA, some crops are showing signs of stress due to dry conditions. In southeast Iowa, 95% of corn has emerged, on par with the five-year average. Corn across Iowa is rated at 77% good to excellent conditions and soybeans are 23% fair, 64% good and nine percent excellent. Soybeans in our area are three percent ahead of the five-year average with 82% emerged. Also, hay and alfalfa first cutting is 90% in southeast Iowa, ahead of the 62% five-year average.