An agricultural expert outlines how the combination of rainfall and warmer temperatures are contributing to the growth of the crops in central Iowa.

According to Dallas County Iowa State University Extension Field Agronomist Meaghan Anderson, the crops have been growing at a steady rate with the amount of moisture. She points out that the mixed blessing about the rainfall is that it’s needed to help the crops, but too much of it or too quickly, then there can be negative effects. Anderson states that central Iowa has received an excessive amount of rain, resulting in nutrient deficiencies, but mentions there is a silver lining.

“And then we’re also seeing better conditions for disease development in the crops, and so crops need the moisture, because this time of year, they’re using about (a) quarter to three tenths of an inch a day because they’re growing so rapidly, so we need that water, but it does come with some potential downsides as well.”

Anderson details that most corn and soybeans are seeing good to excellent conditions, but there are some fields that are suffering due to the heavy rainfall. In terms of pests, she says that soybean gall midge is prevalent in the southwestern part of Dallas County and stems from maggots feeding on the base of a plant, which can hinder the movement of water and nutrients. Anderson is noticing warmer than average and wetter than average temperatures over the next couple of weeks in the forecast.