ECONOMY

Iowa Corn Silking Surges After Hot, Dry Week

PUBLISHED Jul 14, 2026, 2:15 PM ET

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DES MOINES — The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported this week that Iowa corn silking reached 38% for the July 6–12 reporting period, rising sharply from 8% the prior week and placing the crop five percentage points ahead of last year and nine points ahead of the five-year average. State data show one percent of corn reached the dough stage while 78% of corn and 74% of soybeans were rated good or excellent; topsoil and subsoil moisture were mostly adequate but with measurable short and very short pockets, and Iowa officials warned that timely rain will be needed during tasseling and pollination over the coming week.

By Michael Grant | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Prior week (early July): Iowa corn silking was reported at 8%.
July 6–12 reporting period: USDA NASS recorded 38% of Iowa corn silking.
July 12 report: Soybeans at 56% blooming; corn 78% good/excellent; soybeans 74% good/excellent.
Soil moisture reported: topsoil 1% very short, 14% short, 73% adequate, 12% surplus; subsoil 3% very short, 18% short, 69% adequate, 10% surplus.
Iowa Secretary Mike Naig commented on a shift to warmer, drier weather and the need for timely rainfall during tasseling and pollination.

News Intelligence

Iowa's corn and soybean health affects your wallet. As one of the top producers, Iowa's crop conditions can sway grocery prices nationwide. If you're budget-conscious, keep an eye on these reports.

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Who Benefited

Producers with corn that reached silking this reporting period advanced ahead of the five-year average, and local agricultural service providers continued to conduct fieldwork and support crop management operations.

Who Impacted

Fields reporting short or very short topsoil or subsoil moisture (e.g., 14% topsoil short, 3% subsoil very short) are more vulnerable during tasseling and pollination and require monitoring for timely rainfall.

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