News  Agriculture  Crops

Recent Rains Boost Iowa Crops Ahead of Pollination

Corn and soybeans are entering key stages of development as producers monitor weather and market conditions.

July 08, 2026 03:30 PM • 
Neal Burnette-Irwin

STORM LAKE, Iowa (RFD News) — Corn and soybean crops across the Midwest are entering the critical pollination stage as producers monitor weather conditions.

Dennis Raymen with the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report to discuss crop conditions and farmland values.

In his conversation with RFD News, Raymen said recent rains brought some relief to parts of Iowa, though the moisture could be used up quickly as corn enters pollination and soybeans move through their reproductive stage.

He also said farmers are wrapping up marketing of the 2025 crop, making sales decisions for 2026 and beginning to think about 2027 fertilizer purchases, while farmland values in northwest Iowa have remained relatively steady.

Related Stories
guatemalan textiles_Photo by vgudielphotos via AdobeStock_45717077.jpg
Trade
Nearshoring Hopes Lag Despite Global Apparel Trade Changes
Global apparel production is shifting, but the expected boost for North American cotton manufacturing has yet to materialize.
July 16, 2026 07:00 AM
 · 
Tony St. James
64ALPrYn.jpg
Crops
U.S. Rice Acreage Falls to Lowest Level Since 1972
Southern rice plantings have fallen sharply, pushing total U.S. rice acreage to its lowest level since 1972.
July 15, 2026 03:30 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
kkvnvZQ5.jpg
Crops
Michigan Confirms First Tar Spot Case of 2026
Agronomists are encouraging corn producers to continue scouting as disease pressure increases.
July 15, 2026 03:00 PM
 · 
Neal Burnette-Irwin
ZjcqyLlw.jpg
Rural Lifestyle
North Carolina FarmHER Cultivates Local and National Markets
Producer Sami White says the family is finding new ways to connect with local customers while shipping produce across the country.
July 15, 2026 02:44 PM
 · 
Neal Burnette-Irwin
TCzoe8SE.jpg
Crops
LSU AgCenter Looks to Brazil for Sugarcane Innovation
The visit gave LSU AgCenter researchers a closer look at crop research and production practices that could benefit Louisiana growers.
July 15, 2026 01:15 PM
 · 
Neal Burnette-Irwin
9sjJza4g.jpg
Farm Monitor
Southeast Green Conference Showcases the Future of Horticulture
More than 200 exhibitors showcased the latest plants, technology and business solutions for Georgia’s horticulture industry.
July 15, 2026 12:00 PM
 · 
Damon Jones

Midwest Corn Soybeans Fertilizer
Neal Burnette-Irwin
Neal Burnette-Irwin
Knoxville native Neal Burnette-Irwin is a graduate from MTSU where he majored in Journalism and Entertainment Studies. He works as a digital content producer with RFD News and is represented by multiple talent agencies in Nashville and Chicago.


LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

TmNn3wwv.jpg
Rural Money
American Farmland Trust Encourages Early Succession Planning
Brooks Lamb discusses the resources American Farmland Trust offers to help farm families navigate succession planning.
July 15, 2026 03:45 PM
 · 
Neal Burnette-Irwin
ovOkBUGA.jpg
Rural Lifestyle
Young Producers Take Center Stage at Arkansas Heifer Show
Exhibitors gain hands-on experience while learning the skills needed to build future cow-calf operations.
July 15, 2026 02:30 PM
 · 
Neal Burnette-Irwin
Screenshot 2026-07-15 104129.png
Sustainability
Barn Owls Provide Natural Pest Control for Producers
Experts says one barn owl family can eat an estimated 1,600 to 4,000 rodents each year.
July 15, 2026 01:45 PM
 · 
Neal Burnette-Irwin
u65NtIBy.jpg
Washington Policy
Mississippi Farm Bureau Brings Producers to Capitol Hill
Farm Bureau members met with congressional leaders, USDA officials and White House staff to discuss issues affecting agriculture.
July 15, 2026 01:30 PM
 · 
Neal Burnette-Irwin
LqTivK6G.jpg
Washington Policy
Lamb Imports Face Possible Trade Investigation
Jamieson Greer says rising imports may be harming U.S. lamb producers through lost sales and reduced market share.
July 15, 2026 12:54 PM
 · 
Neal Burnette-Irwin
Dairy farmer 1280x720.jpg
Livestock
Dairy Advocates Share State Policy Concerns at Annual Meeting
The annual summit brings dairy advocates together to discuss emerging state issues and their potential impact on federal policy.
July 14, 2026 06:30 PM
 · 
Neal Burnette-Irwin
Agriculture Shows
Ag PhD Daily RFD Thumbnail 1920 x 1080.jpg
commodity-talk_scott_black-logo_1920x1080.jpg
mdr weekend_eliza_1920x1080.jpg
Ag PhD Daily
Agriculture is the most important industry in the world, and Ag PhD Daily brings you the information you need to best manage your business only on RFD-TV and RFD+
Commodity Talk
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
Market Day Report Weekend
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.