News

Iowa’s crop ratings are good, but problems areas exist

Iowa’s overall crop ratings remain high—81 percent good to excellent on corn and 78 percent on soybeans—but there are some problem areas in the state.

Parts of north-central and northeast Iowa, which were already behind on crop development, were drenched with heavy rains—in some cases, eight inches or more–over the weekend. Many fields were flooded and there will likely be considerable replant and, in some cases, prevent plant, in those areas.

At the other extreme are south-central and southeast Iowa where drought concerns continue. Subsoil moisture is rated 70 percent short to very short in those areas.

Hay condition rates 69 percent good to excellent this week, with pasture conditions at 60 percent. However, high temperatures have strained pastures in areas lacking rainfall.