Northwest Iowa Crop Conditions

Recent hot temperatures have accelerated crop growth, which I view as beneficial after a cool spring. However, if above average temperatures stick around into July, the crops will suffer (especially corn). We’ve had multiple days with highs above 90 degrees so far in June. At the same time receiving less than average rainfall over the past 30 and 60 days. Last year June was also very hot and dry (more extreme than this year), and crops ended up better than expected. We are in somewhat better shape this year compared to last year on soil moisture in the top two feet or so of topsoil, but the crop development is behind last year’s fast pace. Last year, drought conditions lessened in July and August which saved the crops from a major loss. The two-week outlook shows additional above average temps and average rainfall odds. I don’t have much confidence in forecasts beyond two-weeks. As always, July and August weather will have a huge influence on the crop size.

The corn looks good to very good in this area. Most farms have 12” to 18” tall corn which is somewhat small for this time of year. Some of the corn is a little uneven but no major issues that I’ve found. The smaller corn is still forming its primary root system, it often looks weak during this stage. Between now and early July, the corn will grow incredibly fast.

Soybeans are benefiting from warmer weather also. Most are around 5 inches tall at this point. Beans seem to like somewhat dry weather this time of year. I don’t have any concerns about the soybean crop to this point. Most fields will need to be sprayed for weeds in the next two weeks. The pre-emergent herbicides have suppressed weeds pretty well so far.