Southwest Iowa Crop Conditions

Crops are planted except for a few planters I saw in the field yet this past weekend. It was still May 22, not exactly late for beans but it feels that way this year. Most beans are emerged now with some fields leafing out. Corn is up and running now with sunny days and warmer weather, just what it needed. Most fields have enough moisture for the small plants to thrive. Soon, corn plants will start racing from 6” to 6’ and start drinking a lot of water. Roots will go down to find moisture but we’ll need to catch at least average rainfall on a timely basis, or catch some good general rains that refill the soil profile, at least more than we have now.

The Little Sioux River continues to run at about 25% of average at Correctionville, which isa good demonstration that soils throughout the drainage area are holding any water it received in the way of rainfall. At Turin, east of Onawa, it gains to about 30% of average. This fits with the Drought Monitor which shows most of Monona County to have normal moisture conditions, although the locals disagree with that.

Overall, we have good plant growth for late May. Yield prospects are good if we receive timely rains.

Crop prices have dropped back from two weeks ago, which is not surprising considering the upward bullet they were on. Fast planting portends good yields in most years, so price bears point to good potential of high yields. Fast planting will also likely result in more acres planted to corn and beans. USDA’s June 30 report will be the next update on acres.