Iowa’s top crops are faring well, according to the latest report from U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Eighty-three percent of both the state’s corn and soybean crops are rated in good to excellent condition. In far northern Iowa, farmer Riley Lewis is anticipating a big harvest.
“I would say, in the (last) 45 years, it’s got to rank as one of the best. Especially weather-wise…and the crop size that’s going to be coming out. With the new powerful genetics that we have to make these crops, it’s going to be a banner year,” Lewis said.
Iowa’s corn and soybean crops are moving into final maturity. Lewis, who farms near Forest City, says the weather this growing season has been near-perfect — at least in his neck of the woods. “When we needed rain, we got it. When we need heat, we got it,” Lewis said.
The U.S.D.A. report released Monday states above normal rain allowed Iowa farmers to work the fields an average of just 4.5 days last week.
(Thanks Dean Borg, Iowa Public Radio)