Northwest Iowa Crop Conditions

Over the past two weeks, most of the region has received at least two inches of rain. August has continued the wet pattern we saw in July, with much of the precipitation accompanied by high winds and occasional hail. Temperatures have generally been above average, paired with high humidity. The two-week outlook calls for near-normal temperatures and only average rainfall chances—a welcome break from this season’s stormy, active weather.

Corn is currently between the dough stage and early dent. In the next week or two, kernels will begin drying from the top down. Kernel counts are already set, but weight is still developing, so stress at this stage can still reduce yields. Estimates from kernel counts look mostly good to very good, but excessive rainfall, storm damage, nitrogen loss, and disease pressure are becoming evident. Yellowing is common in poorly drained areas. Overall, the region’s corn crop should be large, but it looks like the corn will be more variable than we once thought.

Soybeans also look generally good, but like corn, poorly drained fields are turning yellow. Disease pressure is increasing, with Sudden Death Syndrome as the most prevalent issue, followed by Bacterial Blight and White Mold. August rains are usually thought to make the soybean crop, but this year we hope to keep the rain in moderation from here to harvest. Excess moisture appears to have taken a toll, and with pods still developing, this bean crop still has a long way to go before maturity.