At last! Iowa’s streak of nine consecutive hotter than normal weeks came to an end over the past week when statewide temperatures averaged 2.5° below normal. Daily record low temperatures were set on Saturday, Aug. 11, with Northwood and Mason City reporting 42°. Daytime highs on Sunday only reached the mid-60s in North Iowa, but the cooler temperatures weren’t long lasting. Highs climbed into the 90s by Monday afternoon with low 100s recorded Tuesday in the extreme south. Rain is in the forecast for today with slight chances of precipitation through Saturday.
It’s going to be an early harvest. According to the August 13th Iowa Crop and Weather Report, 94% of the corn crop has reached the milk stage and 80% has reached dough stage, well ahead of the five year average of 37%. Forty-five percent of the corn crop has reached the dent stage, almost two weeks ahead of normal. Seven percent of the corn crop is now mature, almost three weeks ahead of normal. Harvest of third cutting of alfalfa hay, at 88% complete, is a month ahead.
Select a territory in the drop-down menu below to view your region’s most recent crop updates.
Each week, our Regional Sales Managers provide crop reports from their territory, sharing crop progress, diseases or pests to watch for and corresponding management tips, and practices that will help you maximize yield potential in your particular growing conditions.
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