News

Another drop in Iowa’s crop ratings

The condition ratings for Iowa’s corn and soybean crops continue to decline because of hot and dry conditions.

The latest crop progress report rates Iowa’s corn crop at 71 percent good to excellent, down six points from last week. The state’s soybean rating dropped four points to 63 percent.

Pasture conditions also continued to deteriorate with just 46 percent rated good to excellent.

Hay condition rated 64 percent good to excellent. The second cutting of alfalfa is 76 percent complete.

“We are seeing some stress to both crops and livestock from the ongoing hot and dry weather,” says Iowa ag secretary Bill Northey. “South-central and southeast Iowa are currently the driest parts of the state, with more than 85 percent of topsoil rated short or very short of moisture in those areas.”