Southeast Iowa Crop Conditions

July brought needed rainfall and near normal temperatures. The majority of the corn crop pollinated the second half of July. We are still well below average for precipitation accumulation but the timing of the rainfall has been efficient. This growing season feels similar to last year from a rainfall standpoint.

Scouting crops southeast to Storm Lake, especially in eastern Sac, Calhoun and Webster Counties. The low laying areas that typically pool excess rainfall and drown crops out are gone again this year. This was a factor in the strong yield results last fall and maybe the case again this harvest season.

The forecast for the first half of August is calling for above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation. Any rainfall moving forward will improve the yield outlook for both crops. Corn is in grain fill stages of development. Hot and dry conditions can cause aborted kernels. Soybeans are also sensitive to these conditions as they will begin shifting the majority of their energy to pod development in the upcoming weeks. Weather stress can result in aborted pods and pod development.