Northwest Iowa Crop Conditions

Weather has recently turned very hot and dry as we finish out the growing season. Temperatures are reaching the mid to upper 90’s this week with a heat index over 110. The high humidity is actually better for crops than dry heat, but it’s uncomfortable for us to say the least! Widespread rainfall in early August is helping sustain crop conditions now, but still excessive hot temperatures this time of year will harm yields to some degree even if the crop has enough moisture. The two-week weather outlook remains hot and dry into the first week of September.

Corn is reaching the end of the dough stage to the early dent stage. The kernels will soon begin drying from the top of the cob down. The number of kernels per ear are set, but the kernel weight is still being determined (especially in later planted or full season corn). Heat stress at this stage can cause corn to mature too quickly which reduces weight. Yield estimates from kernel counts are all over the board, but overall, a little disappointing. It’s not a very accurate yield estimate this time of year, but its all we have for now. The first silage will start getting cut over the next week or so, and we’ll get a little better yield estimates at that time. I still think we have a reasonably good corn crop in this region, but likely not above average overall.

Soybeans generally look good in this region. The early August rainfall was essential for the beans. The pods at the tops of plants are still developing. There are some diseases like white mold and sudden death syndrome showing up lately. Another rain over the next couple weeks would help the beans finish strong. Estimating yield on soybeans this time of year is tough, but it looks like they will be about average at this time.