Hot, dry conditions prevail

Iowa

Spotty rain, but generally dry conditions, was the common theme across much of Iowa during the week ending June 18, according to the Iowa Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, June 19.

Crops generally look good with roots reaching deep for moisture. Crops in lighter soils and those on hilltops are showing signs of stress during periods of high temperatures. There were 5.7 days suitable for fieldwork last week, compared to 5.6 days last year. Topsoil moisture rated 22 percent very short, 33 percent short, 44 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture rated 13 percent very short, 33 percent short, 53 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus across the state.

Oats headed were 72 percent, an increase of 30 percentage points from last week. This was 5 percentage points behind last year, but well ahead of the five-year average of 58 percent. Oat condition is reported as 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 17 percent fair, 62 percent good, and 16 percent excellent.

Corn condition is reported as 1 percent very poor, 5 percent poor, 20 percent fair, 53 percent good, and 21 percent excellent. The corn stand was 96 percent of normal. The average corn plant height was 24 inches while the average of the tallest plant was 33 inches throughout Iowa.

Soybean emergence was reported as 99 percent, which is ahead of both last year's 98 percent and the five-year average of 93 percent. The soybean condition is reported as 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 21 percent fair, 58 percent good, and 16 percent excellent.

The first alfalfa harvest was 98 percent complete. This was 10 percentage points ahead of last year and 28 percentage points ahead of the five-year average. Reports across the state note that the second cutting of hay will be short if significant rains are not received soon.

Pasture and range rated 2 percent very poor, 10 percent poor, 30 percent fair, 49 percent good, and 9 percent excellent. Livestock are in good condition, with a few reports of fly problems in cattle and horses. There were also isolated reports of livestock being fed hay to supplement short pastures.

Date: 6/21/06

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