FORT COLLINS, (Colo.): The last few weeks have trended mostly drier for the US Crop Watch corn and soybean fields, especially in the west, leaving many of the producers anxiously waiting for timely rains before yield potential shrinks.
However, some locations enjoyed favourable rains last week, keeping overall yield expectations above average. Mild temperatures also prevented health declines in some of the drier areas.
August is the most important month for soybean yields as thick, plentiful pods can result from ample rainfall during this time. Corn is filling out the ears this month, and prolonged dry and/or warm weather can lead to shallower kernels and lighter yields.
The situation remains most critical in the Dakotas and also in Kansas, where yield expectations took a big hit after yet another dry week accompanied by temperatures near 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 Celsius).
No rain was observed last week in North Dakota or Indiana, and Minnesota, South Dakota and Kansas each received 0.3 inch (7.6 mm) or less. Half an inch of rain fell in eastern Iowa while southeastern Illinois picked up 0.8 inch.
The biggest winner on rain last week was western Iowa, as those Crop Watch fields received 2.7 inches on Friday of what the producer described as “crop-saving” rains. The Nebraska fields received an inch or more while western Illinois saw 1.4” and around an inch accumulated in Ohio.
This week is expected to be dry across the entire Corn Belt with warmer temperatures in the west.
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