(The Center Square) – The northern two-thirds of Iowa received a large amount of much-needed rain last week, which presents another challenge for farmers, according to Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig.
“The widespread rain is definitely ill-timed yet still badly needed,” Naig said in the weekly crop report. “Though combines are sidelined, and harvest progress is slowed, the rain will have a positive impact on re-charging soil moisture, establishing cover crops and replenishing pastures.”
Dry conditions were a significant concern for the state, with about 98% experiencing some type of dryness, according to Iowa Farm Bureau’s Economist Dr. Christopher Pudnez. The weather mainly affected the corn and soybean crops.
Monday’s crop report showed that all of the state’s corn reached maturity.
“Corn harvested for grain reached 42% statewide, three days ahead of last year and five days ahead of the average,” according to the report released by Naig. “Moisture content of field corn being harvested for grain was at 17 percent. Corn condition rated 51 percent good to excellent.”
Ninety-eight percent of soybeans are dropping.
“Soybeans harvested reached 74%, one day ahead of last year and nine days ahead of the average,” the report said.
