Iowa Crop Report, June 21, 2015

Wet conditions continued to slow field activities throughout much of Iowa during the week ending June 21, 2015, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Statewide there were 3.5 days suitable for fieldwork. Activities for the week included cutting hay, chemical application, and nitrogen side dressing. Excessive moisture is preventing some farmers from controlling weeds and applying nitrogen. Wet fields in southwest and south central Iowa continued to prevent farmers from finishing planting.

Topsoil moisture levels rated to 0 percent very short, 2 percent short, 71 percent adequate and 27 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 0 percent very short, 3 percent short, 76 percent adequate and 21 percent surplus. South central Iowa had the highest topsoil moisture level with 100 percent rated adequate to surplus. North central and south central Iowa rated the highest in subsoil moisture levels at 99 percent rated adequate to surplus.

Eighty-three percent of the corn crop was rated good to excellent. Soybean planting reached 95 percent complete, 19 days behind 2014, and 4 days behind the 5-year average. Southwest and south central Iowa have been able to plant less than 80 percent of their expected soybean acreage due to continued saturated soil conditions. Soybean emergence reached 90 percent, slightly behind normal. Soybean condition rated 80 percent good to excellent this week. Oats headed reached 75 percent this week, 3 days ahead of last year, and slightly ahead of the average. Oat condition increased to 83 percent good to excellent.

The first cutting of alfalfa hay reached 77 percent complete this week. The second cutting of alfalfa has begun in many areas. Hay conditions rated 76 percent good to excellent. Pasture condition rated 82 percent good to excellent. Livestock conditions were described as good. Muddy cattle lots are still reported throughout Iowa.

Source:  Iowa Dept of Ag