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Dry, but cooler week gives Iowa crops some relief

Crop stress from a lack of moisture was partially offset by cooler temperatures last week across Iowa.

Ag Secretary Mike Naig says USDA’s latest crop report from the state shows despite dry conditions, the below average temps provided some relief for corn and soybeans.

Field activities during the week included cutting hay and harvesting oats, and there were some reports of fungicides and insecticides being applied.

Corn development remains ahead of normal with nearly 20 percent at or beyond the dough stage.  Sixty-three percent of the crop is rated good to excellent.

Soybeans are maturing nearly a week faster than average with more than 80 percent blooming.  The crop is considered 58 percent good to excellent.

The second cutting of alfalfa is 86 percent complete and the third cutting advanced to 20 percent, both well ahead of their five-year averages.