Corn silking stage six days behind five-year average

by | Jul 10, 2017 | 5 Ag Stories, News

Hot, dry weather prevailed across Iowa during the week ending July 9, 2017, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Statewide there were 6.3 days suitable for fieldwork.

Activities for the week included hauling grain, applying herbicides, cultivating, and haying. Topsoil moisture levels rated 12 percent very short, 28 percent short, 58 percent adequate and 2 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 7 percent very short, 22 percent short, 69 percent adequate and 2 percent surplus. Over one-half of southeast Iowa?s topsoil has fallen to the very short moisture level category with almost onethird of the subsoil also in the very short moisture level category.

Seven percent of Iowa?s corn crop has reached the silking stage, 6 days behind the five-year average. As corn in the State begins pollination, many reporters mentioned the need for rain in the next few weeks. Seventy-seven percent of the corn crop was rated in good to excellent condition.

One-third of the soybean crop was blooming, with five percent of soybeans setting pods, 3 days ahead of average. Soybean condition rated 67 percent good to excellent.