Iowa Crops in Good Condition Following ‘Unseasonably Cool and Wet’ Conditions Last Week

By Cami Koons

Iowa’s statewide temperatures were nearly 10° Fahrenheit below normal last week, and the state had almost double the normal amount of precipitation, according to State Climatologist Justin Glisan.

The rain came at a good time following corn and soybean planting, which is more than 90% complete across the state, and helped to replenish soil moisture conditions. 

The latest crop progress and condition report from the USDA rated corn and soybeans for the first time this season. Corn measured 83% good or excellent, and soybeans at 80% good or excellent. 

Most of the crops have emerged as of the May 19—May 25 reporting period. Soybean emergence, at 60%, is eight days ahead of last year and four ahead of the average. Seventy-six percent of corn has emerged, putting it six days ahead of last year’s pace and just two ahead of the average. 

Nearly all of the season’s oat crop has emerged, and 26% has headed. Hay in the state is also reaching maturity and 40% of the first cut has been completed. 

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig said the “cool and soggy” conditions from last week sidelined some work for farmers, who had an average of 3.8 days suitable for fieldwork. 

“Despite the delays, most farmers are grateful to receive the rain as we recharge our soils and give the crops a strong early season boost,” Naig said. 

Indeed, the week’s moisture returned soil moisture conditions to their admirable ratings from earlier this spring. Subsoil moisture conditions rated 67% adequate and 76% of topsoil conditions rated adequate for the state. Central Iowa, which saw 250-300% normal rainfall for the reporting period, had 16% of its topsoil condition rated surplus.

The average temperature across the state measured 55°F, which is 8°F below normal, according to Glisan who said the week had “unseasonably cool and wet” conditions. 

Average rainfall for the period was 2.10 inches, a full inch above the normal. 

According to the report, many farmers are waiting for drier, warmer conditions to begin spraying their fields.

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