Precipitation re-entered Iowa recently, leaving four days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending July 10th, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. That work included wrapping up the first cutting of alfalfa and working on the second.
Topsoil moisture condition was rated 6% surplus, 72% adequate, 19% short and 3% very short with subsoil moisture 5% surplus, 66% adequate, 22% short and 7% very short.
Corn was silking at 7%, four days behind last year and five days behind average. Corn condition was rated 81% good to excellent. In soybeans, 34% of the crop were blooming or beyond, one week behind last year and two days behind average. Of that crop, 3% was setting pods, 10 days behind last year and five days behind the five-year average. Iowa’s soybean condition rating was 79% good to excellent. In oats, 95% of the crop was headed or beyond, four days behind last year. Within that, 48% were turning color, six days behind last year. Oat harvest for grain has begun and is at 2%, a week behind last year with crop condition rated 80% good to excellent.
The state’s second cutting of alfalfa is more than one third of the way completed with all hay condition rated 70% good to excellent. Pasture rating is at 59% good to excellent and improved with the recent rainfall. Livestock were stressed due to above average heat and humidity with reports of pinkeye found in cattle.