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Widespread moisture gives Iowa crops shot in the arm

Much-needed precipitation fell across Iowa toward the end of last week.

The latest USDA crop update says rainfall totals varied widely, with northwest Iowa still reporting more than two-thirds of topsoil moisture short to very short.  However, districts in the southern third now rate 60 percent or more of subsoil moisture adequate to surplus.

Statewide, topsoil moisture levels are nearly 60 percent adequate to surplus and subsoil moisture levels are just over 40 percent adequate to surplus.

In addition to rain, there were also scattered reports of damaging hail and high winds over the weekend. 

Iowa’s corn condition improved to 60 percent good to excellent and 58 percent of soybeans are now in that category thanks in large part to the moisture.

The second cutting of alfalfa will be slowed as a result, with progress about four days behind normal at 7 percent complete.