There are many variables when it comes to planting and growing soybeans. Variables lead to options but options can create uncertainty. The Iowa Soybean Association (ISA), in conversations with farmers and industry partners, has aggregated answers to some of the most often-asked questions farmers are posing as a result of planting delays caused by excessive spring rainfall.
Planting progress, crop emergence and crop condition ratings in Iowa:
On July 8, the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistical Service reports:
- Planting is complete statewide. The weekly Crops and Weather Report made no mention of soybean planting progress indicating it’s finished.
- Soybean emergence is 95% complete; 3 percentage points behind the five-year average. The crop israted 3% very poor, 8% poor, 33% fair, 44% good and 12% excellent. Conditions improved slightly from a week ago thanks to warmer weather.
- Corn is starting to tassel in scattered fields across the state. Good soil moisture and heat units helped increase the amount of the crop in good to excellent condition to 58%. The crop is rated 3% very poor, 9% poor, 30% fair, 44% good and 14% excellent.
- Statewide there was an average of 6.2 days suitable for fieldwork, the most of any week this year. Farmers are finishing side dressing fields and harvesting hay.
- Some areas reported crops were beginning to need moisture.
“The warm dry weather last week was very welcome and crops responded and look much better,” said Bill Northey, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture. “Everything has been delayed by the cool wet start to the growing season, but the dryer weather has helped both the corn and soybean crop and allowed farmers get back in the fields to finish any needed fieldwork.”
What’s significant about July 10?
The late planting period for soybeans, which started June 16, ends on July 10. The production guarantee or amount of insurance for each acre planted to the insured soybean crop during the late planting period is reduced by 1 percent per day.
What’s significant about July 13?
Prevent plant claims for insured soybeans must be filed with crop insurance agents by July 13. The prevent plant guarantee is equal to 60% of the original guarantee.
What’s significant about July 15?
Prevent plant acres must be reported on the Farm Service Agency form 578 acreage report.
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