Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report June 5th-11th

By Yorke Prough · Wednesday, June 14th, 2023 at 6:06 am CDT
June 5 – June 11, 2023

DES MOINES, Iowa (June 12, 2023) – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented today on the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The report is released weekly April through November. Additionally, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship provides a weather summary each week during this time.

“While below average precipitation in the first half of June has been helpful for field work, soil moisture levels remain low and drought conditions have worsened across large swaths of the state,” said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. “Though the more seasonal temperatures have helped alleviate some moisture stress in both corn and soybeans, we are now in an ‘El Niño Advisory’ and outlooks thankfully indicate more rainfall chances through the end of the month.”

The weekly report is also available on the USDA’s website at nass.usda.gov.

Crop Report
Another dry week with some more isolated rain showers for the week left a steady 5.8 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending June 11, 2023, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Some farmers were finishing up soybean planting this week as row crop planting activities near conclusion. Other field activities included cutting hay and spraying crops. Drought concerns are increasing.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 14 percent very short, 46 percent short, 39 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 13 percent very short, 46 percent short, 40 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus.

Corn emergence is nearing completion at 98 percent, 1 week ahead of last year and 8 days ahead of the 5-year average. Corn condition declined to 70 percent good to excellent. Ninety-five percent of soybeans have emerged, 11 days ahead of last year and 2 weeks ahead of the average. Soybean condition dropped to 66 percent good to excellent. Sixty-six percent of the oat crop has headed, 10 days ahead of last year and 9 days ahead of normal. There were reports of some oat fields starting to turn color. Oat condition declined to 66 percent good to excellent.

Ninety-one percent of the State’s first cutting of alfalfa hay has been completed, roughly 2 weeks ahead of last year and the 5-year average. Hay condition declined to 49 percent good to excellent. Pasture condition rated 41 percent good to excellent. No major livestock concerns other than precipitation needed to improve pasture conditions.

Weather Summary
Provided by Justin Glisan, Ph.D., State Climatologist, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Spotty showers and thunderstorms were reported across much of Iowa, though unseasonably dry conditions continued, especially in northeastern Iowa. Rainfall deficits were in the one- to two-inch range with only pockets in the northwest above normal. Warmer temperatures persisted across Iowa’s northwestern two-thirds while conditions were seasonal to cooler over the southeastern one-third; the statewide average temperature through the reporting period was 69.8 degrees, 1.3 degrees above normal.

Temperatures on Sunday (4th) afternoon were in the low to mid-80s, helping scattered thunderstorms form across Iowa. The large-scale steering flow pushed these storms from east to west with cells becoming severe-warned in southeastern Iowa. As the sun set and the heating of the day was lost, the remaining thunderstorms dissipated. Rain totals reported at 7:00 a.m. on Monday (5th) showed widespread 0.10-0.20 inch with isolated pockets of heavier totals; Clare (Webster County) observed 0.53 inch while West Bend (Palo Alto County) measured 0.71 inch. Light easterly winds remained through the day with conditions mostly clear and highs ranging from the low 80s south to the upper 80s north. Hit-or-miss thundershowers popped in western Iowa with Hastings (Mills County) and Sibley (Osceola County) observing 0.52- and 0.53-inch totals, respectively. Winds shifted southerly overnight though calm conditions on Tuesday (6th) morning allowed fog formation in central Iowa along with upper-level haze from lingering wildfire smoke. Clouds increased over northern Iowa, holding temperatures in the low 80s while upper 80s and isolated 90s were reported in southern Iowa. Showers and thunderstorms pushed across the state’s eastern two-thirds into the evening with another, more scattered round early on Wednesday (7th) morning. A backdoor cold front pushed west through the afternoon hours, with mid to upper 80s in western Iowa; upper 70s and appreciably lower dew points were reported in eastern Iowa. Highs in the afternoon held in the upper 70s and low 80s with winds shifting back to an easterly direction under increasingly cloudy skies.

Moderate rain showers streamed north to south in western Iowa through Thursday (8th) afternoon as skies cleared into the evening hours. Rainfall totals for the previous two days were beneficial for northwest Iowa where Estherville Municipal Airport (Emmet County) registered 2.50 inches while other nearby stations reported amounts nearing 1.00 to 1.50 inches. Totals tailed off farther south and east with many locations observing several tenths of an inch. A complex of thundershowers moved southeast along the Iowa-Nebraska border on Friday (9th) morning, bringing much needed rainfall to western stations. Airports in Sioux City (Woodbury County) and Spencer (Clay County) measured 0.80 inch and 0.94 inch, respectively, with Spirit Lake (Dickinson County) observing 0.83 inch. Clouds increased through Saturday (10th) as a low-pressure center spun across Missouri. Afternoon temperatures were unseasonably cool over northern Iowa, hovering in the upper 60s and low 70s. Scattered showers and thunderstorms spread over the state later in the evening, bringing rainfall to many Iowa stations into Sunday (11th) morning; amounts were greatest in southwestern Iowa, where Oakland (Pottawattamie County) picked up 1.41 inches. General totals farther north and east were in the 0.10- to 0.30-inch range with a statewide average of 0.16 inch.

Weekly rain totals ranged from no accumulation at multiple stations to 3.15 inches at Estherville Municipal Airport. The statewide weekly average precipitation was 0.53 inch, while the normal is 1.15 inches. Logan (Harrison County) and Sioux City Airport reported the week’s high temperature of 93 degrees on the 7th, on average 13 degrees above normal. Chariton (Lucas County) and Elkader (Clayton County) reported the week’s low temperature of 42 degrees on the 9th, on average 13 degrees below normal.

Mount Pleasant Historic Preservation Commission Meeting

By Yorke Prough · Tuesday, June 13th, 2023 at 3:22 pm CDT

The Mount Pleasant Historic Preservation Commission is excited to announce that they recently received a Certified Local Government (CLG) grant to research and survey the historic buildings in downtown Mount Pleasant.  Any resident interested in learning more about this project is invited to a meeting on Thursday June 22 at 6:30 p.m. in the meeting room on the third story of Union Block (105 W. Monroe St).  Project consultant Rebecca Lawin McCarley of SPARK Consulting, Cedar Rapids, will present information on the survey project and the National Register of Historic Places.

The survey area for the project encompasses the buildings around the square, as well as additional historic commercial buildings extending out from the square along Jefferson St, Main St, Monroe St, Washington St, and adjacent blocks.  It is estimated that around 130 properties within this area have buildings that were constructed by 1980 and will be included in this historical and architectural survey project.  The resources in downtown Mount Pleasant are primarily commercial, with some additional public, religious, and residential buildings as well.

The goal of the historical and architectural survey is to research and evaluate the significance of the individual buildings in downtown Mount Pleasant as well as assess the possibility of a historic district eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.  This survey will position the commission and community to undertake future projects, including nomination of historic properties or a historic district to the National Register of Historic Places.  However, this initial survey will only focus on researching and evaluating these properties.  The project is anticipated to take about a year to complete.

The survey project for downtown Mount Pleasant is led by the Mount Pleasant Historic Preservation Commission.  Main Street Mount Pleasant and Henry County Heritage Trust are partners with the commission on this project, supporting their efforts to recognize the significant history and architecture found in downtown Mount Pleasant.  Members of the Mount Pleasant Historic Preservation Commission are appointed by the City of Mount Pleasant.  The commission is a Certified Local Government, recognized by the State Historic Preservation Office as meeting national standards for historic preservation commissions.

The public meeting on Thursday June 22 at 6:30 p.m. will be followed by training for any resident interested in volunteering to assist with the project.  Volunteers are needed to complete research, type research summaries, and take photographs.  No previous experience is needed – interested volunteers of all backgrounds can make positive contributions to this project.

5 Hawkeyes Set to Join the Prospect League

By Slaten Swords · Tuesday, June 13th, 2023 at 2:05 pm CDT

Summer Baseball- The baseball season might be in the books for the Hawkeyes, but you can expect to see these names in your program for the local Prospect League.

Burlington will be adding two members to their Bees’ club in Will Mulflur and Coy Sarsfield. Mulflur batted 0.143 in 21 at bats with one of his three hits being a home run. He tallied 3 RBIs to go along with a 1 to 1 strikeout-to-walk ratio. He also added a stolen base. Coy Sarsfield batted 0.176 in 17 at bats. Sarsfield walked twice and stole a base.

The Clinton LumberKings picked up three Hawkeyes to join them for the summer. Drew Proskovec appeared in three games on the mound and finished with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.83. Proskovec added two strikeouts as well.

Jack Young adds another arm to the LumberKings as he touts a 4.76 ERA in 7 appearances. Young tallied four strikeouts in 5 and 2/3 innings of work. Ben DeTaeye provides Clinton with another lefty pitcher.

The Great River Division is currently being dominated by the Clinton LumberKings as they are currently riding a 3-game win streak and tout an 8-4 overall record. That’s bad news for the Bees as two of those wins came against them as Burlington is sitting in the cellar with a 3-7 record having lost their last four games.

Clinton’s next game will be tomorrow, June 14th, against the Danville Dans. The Bees are trying to get back in the win column tonight against the Quincy Gems.

Iowa Football Garners 2 Preseason All-Americans

By Slaten Swords · Tuesday, June 13th, 2023 at 1:42 pm CDT

Iowa City- There’s still a little over two months until College Football is back in action, but that has never stopped Phil Steele from releasing his preseason awards. Ten Hawkeyes garnered preseason honors.

Tory Taylor, the senior punter, received praise throughout the season in 2022-23 after the Hawkeyes showed the inability to move the ball. The result was a Second-Team selection by the Associated Press after averaging 45.4 yards on his 82 punts. Steele tabbed him a preseason First-Team All-American.

Cooper DeJean also received All-American preseason honors as part of the Second-Team selections. DeJean could cover and make a hit as he tallied 75 tackles, 5 interceptions, and 8 pass breakups. He was named First-Team All-Big Ten by the media and Second-Team All-Big Ten for his play in his sophomore season. His play helped Iowa be ranked the 2nd best defensive in total defense.

Taylor and DeJean were also named preseason First-Team All-Big Ten along with sophomore place kicker, Drew Stevens. Stevens converted 16 of his 18 field goal attempts as his only misses came from 40+ yards.

Junior tight end Luke Lachey, junior defensive end Deonte Craig, and senior defensive tackle Logan Lee were named Second-Team All-Big Ten for the preseason. Expect Lachey’s 6’6” frame to be a safety valve in the middle of the field and in the redzone as he had the team lead in touchdowns last season. Craig and Lee will anchor the defensive line that ranked 12th in rush defense.

Defensive end Joe Evan and kick returner Kaleb Johnson were named preseason Third-Team All-Big Ten. Lastly, offensive tackle Mason Richman and safety Quinn Schulte were named Fourth-Team All-Big Ten.

The Hawkeyes start their season at home on September 2nd against Utah State at 11 am.

Mini-Grants Awarded for “Root for Radishes!”

By Yorke Prough · Tuesday, June 13th, 2023 at 1:29 pm CDT

30 Mini-Grants Awarded for the Iowa Farm

to Summer “Root for Radishes!” Campaign

Fun program teaches children about the benefits of fresh produce while building markets for Iowa farmers

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has awarded $300 mini-grants to 30 participating sponsors for the purpose of purchasing local food as part of the Iowa Farm to Summer campaign, “Root for Radishes!”.

“Root for Radishes!” is a statewide effort to promote summer meal sites by celebrating local radishes as the raddest vegetable of the summer. With a focus on this familiar, readily available veggie, the goal is to increase participation of children at Iowa summer meal sites while also building market demand for local producers.

“The Iowa Farm to Summer campaign is all about finding fun ways to teach students about how their food is grown while also building connections with local farmers,” said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. “Whether you ‘Root for Radishes’ or enjoy other fresh, locally grown options, consumers can benefit from enjoying nutritious Iowa produce all summer long.”

The Department received 51 applications from summer meal site sponsors, community partners and early childhood education providers and 30 were selected. Participants are required to source local produce from area producers. In addition, participants are encouraged to share promotional materials and learning opportunities with children. Examples of promotional ideas include growing radishes in a school garden and harvesting them with students, inviting a farmer to visit and sample farm-grown radishes, or leading an outdoor demonstration that includes preparing a simple radish snack.

The list of 30 participating locations can be found here.

This statewide program is part of a 5-year campaign, with a different vegetable becoming the focus each summer.

  • 2023: Root for Radishes
  • 2024: Snap for Snap Peas
  • 2025: Crunch into Cucumbers
  • 2026: Kick it with Carrots
  • 2027: Lettuce Eat Lettuce

 

The program is funded by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship through the Specialty Crop Block Grant offered by the United States Department of Agriculture. The official hashtag of the campaign is #IowaFarmtoSummer and those interested in the program can learn more on the Iowa Farm to School and Early Coalition website.

 

Raddish Stock Photos, Royalty Free Raddish Images | Depositphotos

PORT of Fort Madison Celebration

By Yorke Prough · Tuesday, June 13th, 2023 at 8:35 am CDT

PORT, Promoting Outdoor Recreation Trails, of Fort Madison will host an event on Wednesday, June 21, 2023 to celebrate the completion of the Rodeo Connector Trail, the culmination of ten-years of recreational trail creation in Fort Madison.  The event will take place at the trailhead located by the entrance to the Tri-State Rodeo grounds from 5-7 p.m. The ribbon cutting ceremony will begin at 5:15 p.m. followed by refreshments and entertainment provided by students from the YMCA Test Kitchen STEM Lounge Band. Wilson Brothers will also be onsite selling their BBQ and Hinterland Dairy treats.  The public is invited to attend.

 

PORT of Fort Madison began in Fall of 2013, when a group of community volunteers came together to brainstorm how to make recreational trails a reality in Fort Madison.  The ultimate goal was to improve the physical and economic health of the city with a system of recreational trails to be used by walkers, runners, and bicyclists.  PORT of Fort Madison became a subcommittee under the City of Fort Madison Parks and Recreation Board.  With seed money from RAGBRAI and Lake Cooper Trails Association, the PORT committee began laying out a multi-year plan to achieve their goal of connecting the City of Fort Madison with a safe trail system.

 

Phase one, completed in Summer of 2016, connected Ivanhoe Park to Bluff Road.  Phase two, followed, intersecting Phase one and connecting to 48th Street.  These two arms of the trail system created over a two-mile loop allowing students at the Fort Madison middle school easy access to and from school while also being used for physical education classes.  Area businesses, Wellmark Foundation Grants, SIRRC of Fort Madison, Lee County Charitable Fund and other State and Federal Grants provided monetary support for these projects.  The annual PORT hosted Spooktacular Boo-athlon also brought together local businesses and individuals to lend support to building trails while enjoying a fun family event.

 

In 2021, Phase three of the trail system was completed, connecting 48th Street to the hospital.  This was also the year PORT received a sizeable monetary donation from the FMCH-GRH Community Health Foundation (now Great River Health Foundation) to complete the Rodeo Connector trail – fulfilling the goal of connecting the city end-to-end.  The Rodeo Connector Trail runs from Bluff Road behind Fort Madison High School, up Avenue B to 15th Street – the trail runs along 15th Street all the way to the Tri-State Rodeo grounds.  In addition to the Rodeo Connector Trail, the foundation also provided funding for the trail in Riverview Park as part of the marina project.

 

Beautification and lighting along all phases of the PORT of Fort Madison trails has also been part of the plan of work.  The Rodeo Connector trail beautification was completed by Reed’s Landscaping.

 

“We are so grateful for all of the support we have received from the city, organizations, businesses and individuals over the years helping us realize the dream of a comprehensive trail system in Fort Madison.  When we began this journey ten years ago, we believed it would have a positive impact on the lives of those who lived and worked in Fort Madison, but it is so rewarding to actually see people young and old outdoors enjoying the trail. We hope all those who enjoy the trail will join us for our celebration event,” commented Angie Budnik, current PORT Chairperson.

 

PORT of Fort Madison’s Phase four trail is currently underway – it will connect the end of Phase three at 48th Street to River Valley Road past the Baxter Sports Complex.  A strategic planning session held in January laid out the plan for the next five years.

 

For more information about the upcoming event or to become involved with PORT, visit their Facebook page – PORT of Fort Madison.

Sports, June 13th

By Slaten Swords · Tuesday, June 13th, 2023 at 6:50 am CDT

High School Baseball

Mt. Pleasant was swept by Burlington at Community Field last night as the Grayhounds touted clutch bats. In game one, Mt. Pleasant got on the board first after a leadoff double by Carter Amos and a bunt single by Payson Coleman led to a wild pitch giving the Panthers a 1 to 0 lead. Burlington would score the next four runs to take a 4 to 1 lead. Nevertheless, an RBI double by Jake Ensminger and an RBI single by Payton Walker cut the deficit to one run. The Grayhounds would score 8 runs in the next two innings to win 12-3. Logan Messer went 3 for 4 with 5 RBIs in the game.

Game two started with an offensive showcase and some weak defense as RBI singles from Ensminger, J.C. Sitar, and an RBI double by Amos gave the Panthers a 3 to 2 lead after Burlington responded with two runs of their own in the bottom half of the 1st inning. Zerek Venghaus and Kyler Schwartz then allowed only a combined three hits until the 6th inning. Schwartz helped his own cause by ripping an RBI double then Messer singled home the eventual game winning run to win 4-3. Burlington remains undefeated in conference play. The Panthers will take on EBF tomorrow on the road, KILJ will be on the call, and the Grayhounds will face off against Davenport Assumption tomorrow.

Winfield-Mt. Union will host Wapello tonight at 7 pm.

New London handed Hillcrest Academy their 2nd loss of the season after scoring 7 runs between the 5th and 6th innings to win 8-4. Memphis Watson had a double and 3 RBIs while Vegas Watson had a double and 2 RBIs. The Tigers will take on Danville tonight on the road.

Mediapolis will travel to take on Fort Madison tonight at 7 pm.

Central Lee handled Wapello last night 15-0. Bo Herdrich led the way for the Hawks with a 3 RBI double. Landon Rudd, Corbin Pohren, and Kayden Ames each collected 2 RBIs. The Hawks will face off against Burlington Notre Dame tonight with first pitch at 5:30 pm.

Van Buren County moves to 14-1 on the season after defeating Lousia-Muscatine 10 to 1 last night. Sam Warth went 2 for 4 with 4 RBIs in the win. The Warriors will take on West Burlington today on the road. 

In Southeast Iowa conference (SEC) play, Fairfield swept Washington last night 1-0 in game one and 5-4 in game two after extra innings. Tallon Bates finished 2 for 3 with an RBI in game two. The conference series will be picked up on Thursday, June 15th.

High School Softball

Mt. Pleasant fell to Burlington in both games of their doubleheader yesterday 4-0 in game one and 12-0 in game two. Addison Clark went 1 for 3 in game one with Tyi Alter going 4 innings allowing only one run off of four hits. Jersey Beach and Jolynn Martin each went 1 for 1 in game two. The Panthers will have a rematch with the Grayhounds on Thursday, June 15th.

Van Buren County lost to Louisa-Muscatine in a high scoring game 12-8 last night. Ivy Davison smacked a home run with 4 RBIs in the losing effort. The Warriors will travel to take on West Burlington tonight at 7 pm.

New London lost to Hillcrest Academy yesterday 16-6. The Tigers will take on Danville tonight on the road. 

Winfield-Mt. Union could not stop scoring last night as they took down Danville 21-7. Anna Anderson went yard and Joise Nelson and Quin Smith tied for the team lead in RBIs with 3 apiece. The Wolves will face off against Wapello tonight at home.

Central Lee defeated Wapello 6-2. The Hawks will host Holy Trinity Catholic tonight.

Mediapolis fell to Highland 13-1. The Bulldogs will take on Pekin tomorrow, June 14th.

In SEC games, Washington swept Fairfield last night 11-9 in game one and 6-1 in game two. Fort Madison needed extras in game one to win 16-11 as they swept Keokuk after winning 5-0 in game two. Both series pick up on June 15th.

This Day in Sports History

1973 – The Los Angeles Dodgers had a lineup that included Steve Garvey at first base, Davey Lopes at second base, Ron Cey at third base and Bill Russell playing shortstop in the second game of a doubleheader against the Cincinnati Reds. First game of a record 8.5 years playing with the same infield.

2002 – Stanley Cup Final, Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, MI: Detroit Red Wings beat Carolina Hurricanes, 3-1 for a 4-1 series win; Red Wings’ 10th title; coach Scotty Bowman retires with record 9th title.

2019 – NBA Finals: Toronto Raptors beat defending champion Golden State Warriors, 114-110 to win franchise’s first Championship; last game at Oracle Arena, Oakland; MVP: Kawhi Leonard.