DES MOINES – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey today commented on the Iowa Crops and Weather report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistical Service. The report is released weekly from April through October. “The high temperatures last week aided crop development, but the heat and humidity did cause stress for some livestock, particularly cattle in feedlots,” Northey said. “The somewhat cooler weather forecast for this week will hopefully help bring relief to livestock and aid farmers that are behind on hay harvest.” The weekly report is also available on the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s website at www.IowaAgriculture.gov . The report follows here: SUMMER SUN ENCOURAGES CROP DEVELOPMENT Agricultural Summary: The first week of summer brought warm weather across the State. Corn and soybeans experienced good growing conditions with the exception of areas in the path of Tuesday’s thunderstorm which cut across Iowa. Once again, hay harvest efforts were hindered due to high humidity and rains. In addition, rains prevented many fields from being sprayed again this week. Some low-lying areas have standing water issues. Also, high temperatures caused stress on animals in feedlots this week. There were 4.0 days suitable for fieldwork during the week, compared to the five-year average of 5.0 days. Topsoil moisture rated 3 percent short, 77 percent adequate, and 20 percent surplus across the state. Subsoil moisture rated 3 percent short, 74 percent adequate, and 23 percent surplus. Field Crops Report: Nearly all of Iowa’s corn acres have emerged. Corn condition was rated 1 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 15 percent fair, 56 percent good, and 25 percent excellent. The corn stand was rated at 95 percent of normal with 100 percent considered normal. The corn stand’s average tallest height was 51 inches with an overall average height of 37 inches. Soybean planting advanced 1 percentage point from last week to 99 percent complete. Ninety-seven percent of the State’s soybean crop has emerged. Soybeans blooming in Iowa reached 4 percent, 2 days ahead of last year, but 3 days behind the five-year average. Soybean condition was rated 1 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 18 percent fair, 59 percent good, and 19 percent excellent. The oat crop reached 86 percent headed, 22 percentage points ahead of last year, but 2 percentage points below the five-year average. Twelve percent of the oat crop is now turning color, 5 percentage points ahead of last year but 9 percentage points behind the five-year average. Oat condition was rated 3 percent poor, 18 percent fair, 59 percent good, and 20 percent excellent. The first cutting of alfalfa was 76 percent harvested, behind the five-year average of 93 percent. Some farmers have begun their second alfalfa cutting as it is now 5 percent complete. All hay condition was rated 3 percent very poor, 10 percent poor, 26 percent fair, 50 percent good, and 11 percent excellent. Livestock, Pasture and Range Report: Pasture and range condition rated 1 percent very poor, 5 percent poor, 20 percent fair, 52 percent good, and 22 percent excellent. Stress levels on cattle increased with higher temperatures and humidity.