Iowa?s Region 6 crop update

by | Jul 4, 2022 | 5 Ag Stories, News

Once again, the weather is affecting farmers across the state of Iowa. Some in the best way, while others in a not so good way. So far, this growing season, farmers have had to deal with drought conditions, damaging winds, strong storms, and excess amounts of rain. But as most of you know, the weather varies from region to region, and is unpredictable.

Iowa State University Extension Field Agronomist from Region 6, Mike Witt talks about how the West Central Region is split in half. While the western half is dealing with almost drought conditions, the central half is dealing with almost flooding conditions. Both of which are causing for replant on different extremes.

There have been multiple storms that have already rolled through Iowa this season. Witt mentions the hailstorms that have caused damage to some parts of his region. He also talks about how the storms have been more centralized and not widespread in West Central Iowa.

While on the topic of weather, Witt says the agronomists across the state deal with different soils, weather, and even in some cases disease and pest issues. He mentions how it seems some of them trade weather conditions back and forth from year to year, which adds to the fun of living in Iowa.

Witt talks about the disease and pest issues that are affecting the West Central Region. He notes a disease being tar spots and an insect being soybean gall midge that are making their way across the region. He mentions that some disease and pest scenarios may return, but most of them are seasonal and depend on the weather.

The rollercoaster weather in Iowa can affect farmers crops in multiple ways. But Witt says to pay attention to your own fields because every field is different, every acre is different, and scouting your own individualized fields is key. He talks about prices and input costs, and how you need to make economical decisions before buying and applying products on your own individualized fields.

To stay updated on crop news from the Iowa State University Extension, click here.