Tornadoes, high wind and hail cause damage

Iowa farmers had 5.3 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending July 22, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Upper Midwest Regional Field Office, Iowa. Some farmers had to spend time surveying damage from the tornadoes, high winds and hail that struck parts of the state July 19. Regular activities included harvesting hay and applying chemicals.

Topsoil moisture levels rated 3 percent very short, 12 percent short, 77 percent adequate and 8 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 5 percent very short, 13 percent short, 74 percent adequate and 8 percent surplus. Flood-related nutrient loss and crop damage remain a concern in the northern two-thirds of the state while subsoil moisture levels in south central and southeast Iowa considered short to very short are nearing 75 percent.

Eighty-eight percent of the corn crop has silked, 1 week ahead of last year and 11 days ahead of the 5-year average. Seven percent of the corn crop has reached the dough stage, 3 days ahead of last year and 2 days ahead of average. Corn condition rated 79 percent good to excellent. Eighty-one percent of the soybean crop was blooming, with 40 percent of the soybean crop setting pods, 5 days ahead of last year and 6 days ahead of the average. Soybean condition rated 76 percent good to excellent. Ninety percent of the oat crop was turning color or beyond, with 35 percent of the crop harvested for grain. Oat condition was rated 77 percent good to excellent.