Northwest Iowa Crop Conditions

Weather conditions have improved over the past couple weeks. Rainfall amounts have remained inconsistent, but most of this region received at least an inch over the past week. At the same time temperatures were moderate. Nearly all of Iowa is still rated in Severe or Moderate Drought on the U.S. Drought Monitor as of July 8th, but we will likely see progresses on the updated drought map available tomorrow. After this week, theextended weather outlook shows a slightly warmer and drier trend.

Some corn is starting pollination now, and most will start in the next week or so. This will determine the number of kernels that can develop. Favorable weather during the next two weeks is critical for good yields. Corn conditions are currently average or better on most farms. Corn fields were showing signs of drought stress in late June but most have improved recently. So the question is: how much yield potential has been lost already? Its impossible to know for sure at this stage. I think “top end” yield is already out of reach for some farms, but I also think most farms still have very good potential. There’s still lots of season yet to go; it won’t take many days of hot, dry weather to chip away at yield potential (especially in areas that missed most of the rain).

Soybean growth is running behind schedule. The beans are on the small side, but they are in good shape generally. Weed control has been better than average this season. Beans are flowering now and soon will start making pods. They continue adding new growth,flowers, and make pods all at the same time for at least a month (into late August), so they are fairly resilient to short term stress. If soybeans get favorable weather later this summer they can add significant yield.