Corn and soybeans continue to develop, despite the lack of precipitation in the Raccoon Valley Radio-listening area.

Landus Cooperative Field Agronomist Zach Minnihan says planting season was very successful because there was little rainfall to cause delays, but now that lack of precipitation, coupled with the higher outdoor temperatures, may start to be a challenge. He explains how the different kinds of soil in Greene County could present different issues.

“Depending on your soil type, if you’ve got the heavier holding capacity for moisture, heavier clays, you still are probably hanging on to a little bit of moisture. But some lighter stuff is already starting to show signs of stress, due to heat, really. Again it’s minimal now, but depending on what the next two weeks into 30 days bring will be, not a make it or break it, but it’s going to result in either some yield loss or if we get some rain, a definite advantage for us.”

Minnihan says if farmers experience some possible yield loss, the replanting window being closed for the year could be impactful. According to the latest Crop Progress and Condition Report from the Iowa Department of Agriculture, about 77-percent of corn is rated good to excellent across the state, while soybeans are 73-percent. Minnihan believes corn in Greene County is slightly above that benchmark and soybeans are right at the state’s crop percentage.