Ag report shows crops progressing, need warmth

The latest weekly report from the State Agriculture Department shows Iowa’s crops could use some warm weather to mature. The report released Monday shows Iowa’s corn acres are about five days behind last year and seven days behind the five-year average when it comes to reaching the mature stage prior to harvest. Overall the corn conditions are listed at nine-percent either very poor or poor — 49 percent good, and 21 percent excellent. The soybean acreage with leaves turning color — an indicator that they’re nearing maturity — is 39 percent, slightly ahead of both last year’s progress and the five-year average of 36 percent. The overall soybean conditions are rated at 11 percent very poor or poor — 24 percent fair, 48 percent good, and 17 percent excellent. There are scattered reports of soybeans turning prematurely due to white mold and other diseases.