While some rain has fallen over the Raccoon Valley Radio-listening area recently, more is needed to finish out the crop growing season. 

According to the latest Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report, there were 6.1 days suitable for fieldwork for the week of August 16-22 despite some needed rainfall. Dallas County Extension Field Agronomist Meaghan Anderson shares her thoughts on the lack of rainfall. 

“We are not done with the growing season yet. So, we are getting very close to the point at which rain won’t help us anymore. But I think rain will still be helpful if we can get just a little bit more in maybe the next week or so.”

Anderson talks about the peak heating days impacting crops. 

“I think many people would notice, especially in the afternoons when we have these hot days like we have recently that the crops looked stressed.”

According to the crop report statewide, 61-percent of soybeans were rated good to excellent and 58-percent of corn were rated good to excellent.