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Slight decline in Iowa’s crop ratings

Below-average precipitation last week across much of Iowa caused a drop in soil moisture, especially in the northeastern part of the state.  As a result, there was a slight decline in the condition ratings for the state’s corn and soybean crops.

“Iowa saw some spotty precipitation again last week, but significant parts of the state have missed some of the recent rainfalls and are reaching the point where some moisture is needed,” says Iowa secretary of agriculture Bill Northey.  “Crop conditions in much of the state remain very good, especially in areas that have received some timely rainfall.”

Corn rated 75 percent good to excellent, down one point from last week, while soybeans came in at 73 percent good to excellent, down two points from a week ago.

Seventy-five percent of Iowa’s corn was in the dough stage or beyond, eight days ahead of the five-year average, with 16 percent of the crop dented.  Eighty-eight percent of soybean crop was setting pods or beyond, slightly above average.  Oat harvest for grain was virtually complete.

The third cutting of alfalfa hay advanced to 36 percent complete.  Sixty-five percent of all hay was rated in good to excellent condition.  Pastures continued to deteriorate and rated 54 percent good to excellent.