The latest U.S.D.A. report shows “slight” improvement in Iowa’s corn crop. Ten percent of Iowa corn is in the bin, putting the 2012 harvest three weeks ahead of normal.
U.S.D.A. experts say the condition of Iowa’s corn crop has “improved slightly” but 52% is still rated poor or very poor. Recent rains did improve the quality of soybeans overall; 37% is poor or very poor while 39% of Iowa’s soybeans are considered in fair condition.
Moisture ratings for Iowa’s fertile topsoil show the depth of the drought. Eighty-four percent of the topsoil in Iowa is considered short or very short of moisture. Surprisingly, there’s been a slight improvement in subsoil moisture levels over the past week.
Still, 93% of subsoil is short or very short of moisture.