Scattered showers provided limited relief, although most areas of Minnesota are still very dry and in need of more rain, according to the USDA’s weekly crop report.
There were 6.3 days suitable for fieldwork statewide during the week ending August 1st. Reports indicated that some crop conditions improved slightly, while other remained unchanged or declined.
Corn silking reached 96%, the same as last year but one week ahead of average. Corn condition was at 35% good to excellent.
Soybeans blooming reached 96%, one day ahead of last year and one week ahead of average. Soybean condition declined to 34% good to excellent, compared to the previous week’s 36%.
Statewide, topsoil moisture supplies were rated 42% very short, 39% short, 19% adequate and 0% surplus.
Most areas of Iowa received much needed rain this past weekend, which meant Iowa farmers had 5.9 days suitable for fieldwork last week.
Corn silking or beyond reached 92%, one day ahead of the five year average. Corn in or beyond the dough stage reached 42%, four days ahead of normal. Five percent of the corn crop has reached the dent stage. Iowa’s corn condition was rated 62% good to excellent.
Ninety three percent of soybeans were blooming, 9 days ahead of the five year average. Soybean condition was rated 61% good to excellent.
Topsoil moisture levels statewide rated 16% very short, 35% short, 49% adequate and 1% surplus.