Iowa soil moisture improves with rainfall

CEDAR RAPIDS - Heat, humidity and rainfall all returned in abundance to Iowa in the week that ended on Sunday.

Beneficial rainfall raised Iowa topsoil and subsoil moisture levels, providing welcome relief for farmers across the state, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Above normal temperatures during the week aided crop development. Three-quarters of the corn acreage and 73 percent of the soybean acreage were reported in good to excellent condition.

Topsoil moisture levels were rated 4 percent very short, 19 percent short, 73 percent adequate and 4 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels were rated 4 percent very short, 21 percent short, 73 percent adequate and 2 percent surplus.

Eighty-eight percent of Iowa's corn crop was in the dough stage or beyond, 17 days ahead of last year and eight days ahead of the five-year average. Corn crop in the dent stage reached 33 percent, 25 percentage points above the previous year but 9 points below normal.

Ninety-four percent of the soybean crop was setting pods or beyond, 13 percentage points above last year and 1 point above average. A few farmers reported soybean leaves starting to turn color.

With the second cutting of alfalfa hay nearing completion, the third cutting of alfalfa hay was 46 percent complete, 11 percentage points below last year and 18 points below the five-year average. Sixty-four percent of all hay was rated in good to excellent condition.

The top price for hay on Wednesday at Dyersville Sales's weekly auction was $175 per ton for large round bales and $170 per ton for large square bales. The final cutting of hay looks to be very short if there is anything at all.

Second crop of small square bales brought a top price of $350 per ton at the Fort Atkinson Hay Auction. Several other loads were in the $200 per ton range for better quality hay.