Northeast Iowa Crop Conditions

The first 2/3rd’s of June was one of the hottest on record for our area, with most days in the 90’s. The last 3 weeks have been closer to normal, giving relief to both crops and people. The same time period was also quite dry, with only scattered light showers in most locations. Since June is normally our wettest month this has been disappointing coming on top of below average soil moisture levels as we entered the month. We did pick up some decent rain in many locations June 26th-28th and some lighter rains on July 6th. Pocahontas County and parts of eastern Palo Alto County seem to be the winner with some places over 4 inches. Most areas have received 1-2 inches, but the Northern parts of the area are on the short side, continuing a trend from earlier in the growing season.

Crop prospects in our area are up in the air right now. We likely took some top end corn yield away during the stressful heat and dryness in mid-June when ear diameter is determined. Soybeans are quite a bit shorter than normal, but that may not be indicative of yield loss if weather improves later. We’ve had a 3 week reprieve of good weather, but if adverse conditions return later in July, we will start taking away yield quickly with our limited soil moisture reserves.

The grain markets have been volatile, but the trend went down over the last few weeks. The weather pattern changed mid-month, and since then it has been a story of haves and have nots. From central Iowa east and south there have been abundant rains (too much in some areas). North and west have been very limited on moisture. Since the market always assumes that rains make grain, prices moved lower.

June 30th is one of the big USDA report days of the year. This report gives quarterly grain stocks and also planted acres. This year’s reports were considered bullish, with stocks near expectations and acres of both corn and soybeans below expectations. Both crops were up sharply on the Board of Trade following the release of the reports but have since moved back lower on better weather forecasts. Carryout levels at the end of the 2021-2022 marketing year will be at the lowest level we have seen since 2012-2013, and that is with excellent national yields figured in. Weather over the next 2 months will take on added importance without the cushion of extra acres.