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Warmer temps help Iowa’s crop development

Warmer temperatures are just what the doctor ordered for Iowa’s corn and soybean crops.

Those crops were planted by mid-May in many parts of the state, but cooler temperatures slowed their development. As temperatures start to warm up, those crops are seeing rapid growth, which is reflected in this week’s crop condition ratings. Iowa’s corn crop improved to 85 percent good to excellent while soybeans rated 81 percent good to excellent.

The state’s first cutting of alfalfa hay was 16 percent complete, five days ahead of last year. Hay condition rated 74 percent good to excellent. Pasture condition improved to 66 percent good to excellent.