Northwest Iowa Crop Conditions

Rainfall this summer has continued to be inconsistent across the region. So far in August, some areas received less than 1 inch of rain while other parts had 5 or more inches. On average we get 3 to 4 inches in August. Temperatures were about normal this month. The long-range forecast calls for above normal temperatures and below normal rainfall through early September. We do have a few chances for rain in the next week, but nothing widespread is expected.

Corn is developing slightly ahead of schedule. Silage corn harvest has started on drought stressed farms. I think we will see some dry corn combined in September in those same stressed areas. Most corn is now just starting to dent. Areas with lighter soils or areas with less rain are showing significant stress. Corn yields will be all over the place this year from above average to way below average depending on the situation. Additional rainfall now could still marginally help some of the corn crop as it moves closer toward maturity.

Soybeans can still benefit greatly from rainfall. They are filling pods and making the last new pods on the top nodes. Farms that missed most of the August rainfall will likely have below average bean yields. Like corn, farms with the best water holding capacity & a few more lucky rains should have a decent soybean crop.