Weekend rains had limited benefit for Iowa crops

The condition of Iowa's corn and soybean crops deteriorated slightly last week despite the largest rainfall amount since June 20.

Iowa had its 12th consecutive week in the past 13 of below-normal rainfall, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's weekly Iowa Crops and Weather report. The largest rainfall in the state occurred between Friday night and Saturday afternoon, bringing an average of 2.09 inches in Cedar Rapids and 1.83 inches in Iowa City.

Statewide, precipitation averaged 0.62 inches for the week, about two-thirds of the weekly normal of 0.96 inches. Temperatures statewide averaged 4.2 degrees above normal, the 13th week out of the past 14 with above-normal temperatures.

"The cooler temperatures and rain over the weekend brought some relief but crops remain stressed," Iowa Secretary of agriculture Bill Northey said. "Crop conditions continue to worsen and much more precipitation is needed."

The majority of Iowa's pasture land, 59 percent, was rated in very poor condition. Another 2 percent was rated poor, while 12 percent was fair and 2 percent was good.

The USDA reported that 20 percent of Iowa's corn crop was in "very poor" condition as of Sunday, compared to 18 percent on July 29. The percentage rated "poor" increased to 29 percent to 28 percent.

Only 1 percent of Iowa's corn crop was rated excellent and 15 percent was rated good, with the remaining 35 percent rated fair.

The USDA estimated that 27 percent of the corn crop had reached the dent stage, and 77 percent of the soybean plants statewide were setting pods.

The soybean crop was in slightly better condition than the corn crop. Thirteen percent of the soybean crop rated very poor and 24 percent rated poor.

Only 1 percent was in excellent condition, with 23 percent rated good and 39 percent rated fair.

A streak of 41 days without rain ended in Audubon, but just barely. Audubon registered a scant 0.01 inches of rain.

The heaviest rainfall amount, 2.45 inches, was registered at Davenport.

Stress on Iowa's livestock was minimal, the USDA reported, with no issues reported for the week.