KDSN RADIO News
The latest USDA analysis classifies 86% of Iowa corn crop as ‘good’ or ‘excellent’
The latest USDA report rates 86% of Iowa’s corn crop in good or excellent condition. The analysis covers the past week — through Saturday — and it found 80% of soybeans are in good or excellent condition.
July has been wetter than normal, and 72% of topsoil and subsoil moisture readings are considered adequate; 21% of Iowa topsoil has surplus moisture according to the report. Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig said field crops have benefited from this month’s wet conditions and somewhat milder temperatures, but farmers are now worrying about the “heat dome building over the state.” Heat waves during this stage of corn kernel and soybean pod development can lead to yield losses.
Iowa farmers have harvested about 35% of the oats that were planted this year. Pasture conditions are rated by the USDA as 79% good to excellent, and hay conditions are even higher, with 86% in the good to excellent range.
