Northwest Iowa Crop Conditions

Weather has been fairly moderate lately with below average temps and generally enough rainfall. This region had above average rainfall in July, areas south or east of Storm Lake had less rain. The first half of July was on the warm side but late July was cooler than normal, and the long rage forecasts call for below average temps to continue into the first half of August with normal rainfall.

Corn condition is generally good in this area. There is much more variability on farms with poor drainage. Corn pollination is about half way completed, but the June planted corn has not tasseled yet. Below average temps (especially nighttime temps) that we are forecast to get during the second half of the growing season can increase corn yields by lengthening the grain fill period. However, this year a cool finish could be harmful to the late planted corn depending
on the first freeze date. We could have wet, immature corn going into fall this year. Some corn is
being treated with a fungicide for leaf diseases this week.

Soybeans will start making pods soon (some already are). The beans are short this year, most are about knee high or even shorter. Some fields were sprayed for thistle caterpillars, which is not typically a pest we worry about but is causing damage this year. The next pest to watch for are aphids. They are often a serious pest in August.

The grain markets are under pressure from mild weather, stable U.S. crop ratings, and lack of fresh news. We are still waiting on a trade deal with China. USDA’s August 12th report will provide re-surveyed 2019 corn and soybean planted acres. This report will be watched closely by the market