Northwest Iowa Crop Conditions

Above average temperatures with spotty rain showers continue to be the weather trend this spring. This is the third year in a row with warm and somewhat dry weather in June. However, rainfall amounts are generally better this spring than 2021 and 2022, also temperatures are not as extreme. Parts of NW Iowa have had more rain than others, so conditions are variable. But overall crops are growing ahead of schedule and most look very good. The latest two-week outlook from the National Weather Service again shows warm temperatures continuing and slightly above average chances of rain.

Most farms have at least “knee high” corn which is somewhat ahead of normal for mid-June. There are still some uneven looking strips or spots in some fields, but overall, the corn has improved greatly over the last two weeks. Between now and early July, the corn should grow incredibly fast. More rainfall will be needed to sustain the corn. Especially in July when corn uses about 1/3 of an inch per day.

Soybeans in this area are about 6 inches tall on average. Beans seem to do well with somewhat warm and dry weather this time of year. Most fields will need to be sprayed for weeds in the next two weeks.