Iowa crops report for Monday, June 15

 While some areas of Iowa saw significant precipitation, statewide there were 4.8 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending June 14, 2020, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Fieldwork activities included planting, harvesting hay, spraying and applying nitrogen. 

Topsoil moisture levels rated 1% very short, 6% short, 85% adequate and 8% surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 0% very short, 4% short, 87% adequate and 9% surplus. 

Virtually all of the corn crop has emerged. Corn condition rated 83% good to excellent. Although soybeans remain to be planted in southwest Iowa, farmers in the rest of the state have nearly all completed planting. Emergence reached 93%, almost 3 weeks ahead of last year and 9 days ahead of average. Soybean condition rated 82% good to excellent. Oats headed progressed to 42%, 3 days ahead of last year but 2 days behind average. Oat condition rated 83% good to excellent. 

One-quarter of the first cutting of alfalfa hay was completed during the week ending June 14, 2020, reaching 79 percent complete. Only Southwest Iowa producers have been unable to complete at least three-quarters of their first cutting of alfalfa hay. Hay condition rated 75% good to excellent. Pasture condition remains at 70% good to excellent. Movement of grain from farm to facilities was noted. No major livestock issues were reported for the week.