The weekly review of crops from the state Agriculture Department has some good news for Iowa farmers. The Ag Department report says favorable weather with periods of sun and rain combined with heat and humidity to produce rapid growth in the corn and soybeans.
Even with the good week, the corn crop was listed at an average height of 61 inches, 20 inches behind last year, and 16 inches behind the five-year average. Overall, 48% of the corn crop was reported in good condition, 14% excellent — while 29% was reported fair, 7% poor and 3% very poor.
As for the soybeans, 14% were rated in excellent condition, 47% in good condition, 29% fair, 7% poor and 3% very poor. Fifty-three percent of the soybeans were blooming, 11 days behind last year and one week behind the five-year average.