While corn is on-par with the five-year average in southeast Iowa, soybeans are behind.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 42% of corn is silking locally, slightly behind the five-year average of 45%. In southeast Iowa 33% of soybeans are blooming well behind the five-year average of 53%. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey says, “We are seeing some stress to both crops and livestock from the ongoing hot and dry weather.” Across the state, corn is five days behind last year and 18% of oats for grain or seed have been harvested, six days behind last year and the average.