Drought conditions affecting Iowa’s corn, soybeans

(The Center Square) – Drought conditions in Iowa have impacted this year’s corn and soybean crops, according to Iowa Farm Bureau’s Economist Dr. Christopher Pudnez.

Pudnez told The Center Square that more of Iowa is experiencing drought or dryness at this time of year than at any time dating back to the historic drought of 2012.

“The last several years have been dry in parts of the state, and some areas have experienced drought for several years in a row, but this year the drought is especially widespread across the state,” Pundez said.

More than 98% of Iowa has experienced some degree of “abnormal dryness” or drought every week since the first week of June, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

As a result, estimated corn yields have fallen from 203 bushels an acre to 200 bushels an acre, and Pundez told The Center Square it’s likely that estimate could fall even more.

While the USDA has yet to adjust its estimates for Iowa’s soybean yields, Pundez said September’s hot conditions likely did some damage that will show up in October’s estimate.

Last year’s average soybean yield in Iowa was 58.5 bushels an acre. The USDA estimated at the beginning of September the average soybean yield would be 58 bushels an acre this year.

Soybeans are harvested later than corn, and the final crop yield numbers are still unknown.

“The drought also moved up the timing of harvest for both crops,” said Pundez. “As of September 24, USDA reports that in Iowa 83% of corn is mature and 9% has been harvested, compared to five-year averages of 60% and 5% (respectively). For soybeans, 75% have dropped leaves (compared to a 5-year average of 61%) and 11% has been harvested (compared to a 5-year average of 10%).”

Iowa lost some fieldwork days last week due to welcome rain, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship reported.

“Much-needed rainfall last week paused some harvesting but will help cover crops get established while replenishing soil moisture in areas hit hard by drought,” said Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. “Warmer weather and better chances of rain are expected into early October as farmers continue to harvest as conditions allow.”

Iowa’s topsoil moisture condition rated 46% short last week, with 27% rating “very short,” according to the weekly report.