The USDA says Iowa farmers were busy harvesting hay and oats, while corn and soybeans received fungicide and pesticide applications last week.
Southwest Iowa farmer Ralph Lents tells Brownfield he’s found southern rust in some of his corn.
“And been keeping an eye out for tar spot. There’s a little bit around, but nothing really bad yet. So I think if I can get another week or two down the road I’m not going to worry about it.”
The Greenfield farmer says drought is no longer an issue in his area.
“I’ve got to say I’ve never seen so much rain in the summertime in my life, but the corn crop is going to be pretty awesome for me. And the soybeans, if they get to finish will look pretty good too.”
USDA’s latest weekly crop report shows corn development statewide at 27 percent dented, one day ahead of last year but a day behind the five-year average. Eighty-six percent of the crop is rated in good to excellent condition.
Soybeans are maturing a little slower than normal with 83 percent setting pods. Eighty-two percent is called good to excellent.
