It was a dry and busy week in mid-July for farmers around the Hawkeye State. According to the weekly crop report from the USDA, limited rain over much of Iowa resulted in 6.1 days of suitable for fieldwork during the week ending July 24th. That work included cutting hay and applying insecticides and fungicides.

Moisture levels continued to drop due to lack of precipitation with topsoil moisture rated at 1% surplus, 61% adequate, 26% short and 12% very short. Subsoil moisture was considered 1% surplus, 63% adequate, 25% short and 11% very short.

The 2022 corn crop was seen to be 66% silking or beyond, four days behind last year and three days behind the five-year average. Within that, 8% of the crop has reached the dough stage, five days behind last year and two days behind average. The crop was rated 80% good to excellent.

In soybeans, 72% were blooming, one week behind last year and two days behind average. Within that, 32% were setting pods, five days behind last year and one day behind the five-year average. Iowa’s soybean condition rating was 75% goot to excellent.

In oats, 82% were turning color or beyond, one week behind last year. The harvest has reached 38% completed, two days behind last year with the overall condition of the oat crop 78% good to excellent.

In hay, 77% of the state’s second alfalfa cutting is complete with the third cutting underway and 3% complete. All hay condition has come in so far at 66% good to excellent. Pasture condition has dropped to 50% good to excellent with some producers starting to supplement with hay. Flies and above average heat and humidity were also stressing cattle and some herds are still dealing with pinkeye.