Southeast Iowa farmers saw welcome rainfall to close out July, according to the latest Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report released Monday by the Iowa Department of Agriculture & Land Stewardship.
After enduring a stretch of intense heat and humidity, much of eastern Iowa picked up above-normal rainfall late last week, bringing relief to crops and pastures. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says July will be remembered for its warm temperatures and unusually high dew points, but the month ended with widespread rain and a break from the oppressive heat.
One of the most extreme weather observations came from southeast Iowa, where the Burlington Municipal Airport recorded an 85-degree dew point and a heat index of 121 degrees on July 26th.
Despite the changing weather, farmers across Iowa had nearly six days suitable for fieldwork during the week. Corn continues to progress well, with 93 percent of the crop now silked and nearly half reaching the dough stage. Statewide, 80 percent of the corn crop is rated in good to excellent condition.
Soybeans are also holding up well, with 88 percent blooming and 61 percent setting pods. Seventy-eight percent of the soybean crop is rated good to excellent.
Pastures also benefited from the recent moisture, with 67 percent rated good to excellent statewide.
The state climatologist says eastern Iowa received some of the heaviest rainfall during the reporting period, helping replenish soil moisture after weeks of hot, dry conditions. While much of southeast Iowa saw beneficial rain, western Iowa remains in greater need of additional moisture as the growing season continues.