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More rain neededIowa Scattered rain showers fell on parts of the state during the week ending July 22, bringing crop damage due to straight line winds, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Iowa Field Office, July 23. Rain amounts ranged from two tenths of an inch to four inches. This rain will need to continue in order for yields to remain consistent. Areas that received rain reported large improvements in the condition of the crops but still hope to see more moisture. There were 4.8 days suitable for fieldwork, compared to 5.9 days last year at this time. Topsoil moisture rated 18 percent very short, 30 percent short, 49 percent adequate, and 3 percent surplus across the state. Subsoil moisture rated 11 percent very short, 30 percent short, 57 percent adequate, and 2 percent surplus. Oats turning color are at 98 percent, 1 percentage point behind last year's 99 percent, but slightly ahead of the five-year average. Oats harvested for grain are at 35 percent, behind last year's 42 percent and 8 percentage points behind the five-year average. The condition of the oat crop improved slightly from last week to zero percent very poor, 5 percent poor, 33 percent fair, 53 percent good, and 9 percent excellent. corn tasseled, at 90 percent, is equal to last year and 4 days ahead of the five-year average of 79 percent. corn silked, at 73 percent, is 2 percentage points behind last year, but 4 days ahead of normal. corn in milk stage is at 21 percent, 2 days ahead of last year and 4 days ahead of the five-year average. corn condition is 2 percent very poor, 8 percent poor, 27 percent fair, 47 percent good, and 16 percent excellent. soybeans blooming, at 83 percent, are equal to last year and ahead of the five-year average of 80 percent. Forty-two percent of soybeans are setting pods, 3 percentage points above last year and 10 percentage points above the five-year average. Soybean condition is 1 percent very poor, 5 percent poor, 26 percent fair, 53 percent good, and 15 percent excellent. Seventy-five percent of the second cutting of alfalfa hay is complete, behind last year's 88 percent and the five-year average of 81 percent. The third cutting of alfalfa is underway. All hay condition is 4 percent very poor, 20 percent poor, 36 percent fair, 34 percent good, and 6 percent excellent. Pasture condition rated 6 percent very poor, 21 percent poor, 39 percent fair, 28 percent good, and 6 percent excellent. The sparse rainfall was not enough to rejuvenate overgrazed pastures. Some are supplementing dormant pastures with grass or hay. Date: 7/25/07
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