Cutting hay, spraying herbicides, nitrogen side-dressing and re-planting was conducted by farmers across Iowa last week.
According to the USDA’s crop progress and condition report, there were 5.2 days suitable for fieldwork last week and some farmers were assessing crop damage after strong winds and hail from isolated thunderstorms. State Climatologist Harry Hillaker said rainfalls ranged from 4.6 inches at Corning to less than a quarter of an inch near Indianola. In southeast Iowa, 92% of soybeans have emerged, 90% of oats headed, and 92% of hay and alfalfa first cutting has been done, all ahead of the five-year average. Corn across Iowa is rated at 14% excellent, 64% good, 18% fair and three percent poor.