Counties of: Buena Vista, Cherokee, Clay, Dickinson, Lyon, O’Brien, Osceola, Plymouth, Sioux
All of NW Iowa is in a stage of drought as classified by the U.S. Drought Monitor. The northern tier of counties have been getting a little more rain than counties farther south. Many areas received only about one inch of rain in July. Periodic hot temperatures in July added to the crop stress. Recently, temperatures have been cool which is helpful,
but long-range forecasts are calling for a return of warmer weather with normal rainfall chances.
Corn yields have already been reduced somewhat by the drought conditions on some farms, but we still have very good corn yield potential overall. Farms with lighter soils have lost yield potential, but other farms are holding up surprisingly well. Most corn completed pollination in mid-July and is now on to the blister or milk stage. Weather
conditions over the next three weeks will greatly impact the size and weight of kernels (yield). Stress during this time can cause kernels to abort, tip back ears, shallow kernels,and low test weight. Cool temperatures are beneficial at this stage. Most farms in this region need significant rain soon to protect yields.
Soybeans also have very good yield potential generally, but they need favorable weather through August. Soybeans are making pods now. They would greatly benefit from rainfall soon.
Grain markets are moving lower because of very high yield expectations nationally (record large U.S. corn and bean crops are a real possibility) based on USDA crop ratings. The expected carryout on corn looks to be well over 3 billion bushels. This is despite strong recent exports to Mexico, China and others. The U.S. relationship with
China is very uneasy at the moment, so it’s hard to count on those exports baling out the markets. Eventually, we will have more positive news to share about the grain markets, but for now the trend stays negative.
Please click on the links on the right to view the past pdf’s of our Northwest Crop Conditions reports.
1705 N Lake Ave
Storm Lake, IA 50588
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