Scattered precipitation across the State allowed Iowa’s farmers 5.1 days suitable for fieldwork last week. 

According to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service, field activities included harvesting oats and hay and a few reports of fungicide and insecticide applications.

Nearly all of Iowa’s corn has reached the silking stage. Corn in the dough stage reached 78 percent, 1 day behind last year’s pace and 3 days behind normal. Corn condition rated 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 11 percent fair, 56 percent good and 30 percent excellent.

Soybeans blooming reached 96 percent. Eighty-three percent of soybeans were setting pods, 1 day ahead of last year’s pace, but 4 days behind normal. Soybean condition rated 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 15 percent fair, 60 percent good and 22 percent excellent. Ninety-one percent of the oat for grain crops has been harvested.

Frequent rains have kept pastures growing and extended grazing periods. Livestock were generally in good condition, with a few reports of stress caused by heat and humidity.