Dry Conditions Beginning to Impact Crops in MN & Iowa

Minnesota had 6.0 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending July 31st, according to the USDA.  Dry conditions continued across much of the state.

Topsoil moisture supplies were rated 8% very short, 20% short, 66% adequate and 6% surplus.

Corn silking was at 75%, 5 days behind the 5 year average.  Corn that has reached the dough stage  reached 13%.  Corn condition was 7% poor to very poor, 30% fair and 63% good to excellent.

Soybeans blooming or beyond reached 81%, 5 days behind average.  Soybeans setting pods reached 36%.  Soybean condition was 5% poor to very poor, 29% fair and 66% good to excellent.

In Iowa, very little precipitation last week resulted in 6.3 days suitable for fieldwork.  Increasingly dry conditions are a concern for many.

Topsoil moisture condition was rated 17% very short, 32% short, 50% adequate and 1% surplus.

Corn silking or beyond was 87%, 2 days behind both last year and the 5 year average.  Thirty percent of the corn has reached the dough stage or beyond, 3 days behind last year, but even with the average.  One percent of Iowa’s corn has reached the dent stage, 6 days behind last year and 3 days behind average.  Corn condition fell slightly to 76% good to excellent.

Eighty three percent of Iowa’s soybeans were blooming, 1 week behind last year and 2 days behind average, 53% of the soybeans were setting pods, 6 days behind last year and 1 day behind the 5 year average.  Iowa’s soybean condition declined slightly to 73% good to excellent.