Continued precipitation, heavy in some areas of the State, resulted in 4.7 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending August 21, 2016, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Precipitation and cooler nights benefited grain and pod fill. Activities for the week included harvesting oats and cutting hay when ground conditions were dry enough.

Topsoil moisture levels rated 1 percent very short, 6 percent short, 85 percent adequate and 8 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 1 percent very short, 8 percent short, 84 percent adequate and 7 percent surplus. South central and southeast Iowa continue to report the lowest subsoil moisture levels in the State.

Ninety percent of the corn crop reached the dough stage or beyond, 10 days ahead of the 5-year average, with 45 percent dented or beyond, 6 days ahead of last year and 4 days ahead of normal. There were scattered reports of corn showing signs of maturity. Corn condition rated 83 percent good to excellent. Soybeans setting pods reached 92 percent, 5 days ahead of last year and 4 days ahead of normal. Three percent of soybeans have started to turn color. Soybean condition rated 82 percent good to excellent, although there were reports of sudden death and white mold in some soybean fields. Harvesting of oats for grain or seed was nearing completion.

The third cutting of alfalfa hay was 66 percent complete, 4 days ahead of average. Pasture condition rated 64 percent good to excellent. Livestock experienced little stress with near ideal conditions.

Source:  Iowa Dept of Ag

More From K92.3