Weekly Update on Iowa's Crop Health and Development Status
In the heartland of America, Iowa's corn and soybean crops are making steady progress through critical growth stages, despite facing challenges from heavy rainfall and localized issues.
Corn Crop Status
As of early August, the majority of Iowa's corn crop is at the silking to dough stages. Ninety-six percent of the corn has reached silking, with 68% in dough, slightly ahead of last year’s pace and the 5-year average. About 15% of the corn crop had dented by August 11.
The corn crop condition ratings are predominantly positive, with 57% good and 29% excellent, with only 3% poor or very poor. However, a July 29 derecho with high winds caused leaning corn and tattered leaves in affected areas, potentially impacting fall harvest due to standability issues. Disease concerns include southern rust appearing in corn fields.
Despite the heavy July rainfall, most crops managed well, though some lowland areas experienced nitrogen loss and ponding. Forecast models predict a potentially record-high corn yield for 2025 at about 223.7 bushels per acre, exceeding the 2024 record of 218 bpa.
Soybean Crop Status
Soybeans are mostly at the R4 stage (full pod), with 93% blooming and 75% setting pods by early August, slightly ahead of last year's timing. Soybean condition ratings are similarly positive, with 60% good and 21% excellent, and 3% poor or very poor.
Sudden death syndrome (SDS), a disease, is increasingly apparent in some soybean fields. Yield forecasts are optimistic but slightly below last year's record yield; DTN estimates 62.3 bushels per acre for 2025 compared to 63.6 bpa set in 2023.
Moisture and Growing Conditions
Iowa has experienced persistent wet conditions through July and early August, with rainfall totals ranging from 1 to 7 inches in some spots over two weeks. Topsoil and subsoil moisture have been largely adequate to surplus across the state, with minimal areas reporting short or very short moisture levels.
The wetness has contributed to increased disease pressure but has generally supported good crop growth.
The first several days of the Iowa State Fair, a world-famous event, will feature seasonal temperatures, as per Ag Secretary Mike Naig. Sixty-four percent of oats for grain have been harvested in Iowa, with no new harvesting statistics for corn, soybeans, or oats provided.
Some crops in low-lying areas were impacted by overly wet conditions due to last week's storms. Hay condition in Iowa is rated 84-percent good to excellent, with no new information provided about the condition of hay.
In summary, despite heavy rains and some weather-related stresses, Iowa’s corn and soybean crops are in mostly good to excellent condition, progressing well in their growth stages, with yield potential near record levels, particularly for corn.
- The recent news on Iowa's weather suggests that the first few days of the Iowa State Fair will coincide with seasonal temperatures, as reported by Ag Secretary Mike Naig.
- In addition to heavy rainfall, the Kansas City Morning News (kmch) reports that local storms have caused some damage to crops in low-lying areas, potentially impacting the harvest.
- As a result of the persistent wet conditions, the weather forecast predicts a record-high corn yield for 2025 in Iowa, with an estimation of about 223.7 bushels per acre, surpassing the 2024 record. However, the high moisture levels have also increased disease pressure, with southern rust appearing in corn fields and sudden death syndrome (SDS) becoming increasingly apparent in some soybean fields.
