DES MOINES – (SPECIAL) Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey commented on the Iowa Crops and Weather report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistical Service.

“These heavy rains are a real concern across the State,” Northey said. “Receiving this much moisture definitely stresses the crops and often stunts the plants growth. Hopefully this weather pattern will be changing soon and farmers will be able to replant crops that have been drowned out.”

Field Work Still Stalled

Agricultural Summary: During the past week, Iowa received frequent showers and thunderstorms. Northern Iowa reported storms producing high winds knocking down trees and hail shredding corn leaves. Aside from the severe weather, the warm humid days provided ideal growing conditions, especially since soils contain ample moisture.

Once again, conditions gave farmers little opportunity to continue with field work. Reporters in Southern Iowa indicate operators have been unable to get in fields the entire month of June. This halt in field work is becoming a concern for farmers still needing to spray, since weeds are starting to pressure crops. Hay producers are also being affected by the wet weather as they continue having difficulty harvesting their first cutting between rains.

Crops planted on ground that drains well are handling the excess rainfall and remaining in good to excellent condition. However, low-lying areas and poorly draining fields are ponding with crops showing signs of stress. Corn in these areas are turning yellow and varying dramatically in height. Soybeans are having growth stunted and being completely drowned out by ponds. Meanwhile, pastures continue to show good growth and be adequate for grazing.

There were 1.6 days suitable for fieldwork during the week, compared with 1.8 days the previous week. Central, Southeast, and South Central Iowa reported less than 1 day suitable, while Northwest Iowa reported the high, with 2.7 days. Topsoil moisture rated 0 percent very short, 0 percent short, 45 percent adequate, and 55 percent surplus across the state. Subsoil moisture rated 0 percent very short, 0 percent short, 51 percent adequate, and 49 percent surplus.

Field Crops Report: Corn rated 2 percent very poor, 5 percent poor, 18 percent fair, 52 percent good, and 23 percent excellent. Nearly all the soybeans have been planted and 94 percent has emerged, which is equal to last year and 1 percentage point behind the five-year average. Soybean condition rated 2 percent very poor, 6 percent poor, 23 percent fair, 51 percent good, and 18 percent excellent. 79 percent of the oat acreage has headed, ahead of last year’s 61 percent and the five-year average of 66 percent. Oat condition rated 2 percent very poor, 5 percent poor, 17 percent fair, 59 percent good, and 17 percent excellent. The first cutting of alfalfa increased slightly to 74 percent, still ahead of last year’s 61 percent, but behind the five-year average of 77 percent. All hay condition rated 3 percent very poor, 9 percent poor, 28 percent fair, 47 percent good, and 13 percent excellent.

Livestock, Pasture and Range Report: Pasture and range condition rated 0 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 20 percent fair, 56 percent good, and 21 percent excellent. Overall conditions remain favorable for livestock; however, cattle confined in lots are beginning to be stressed by the wet conditions.