Mid-June to early-July presents great opportunity for picking this sweet treat

DES MOINES Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey today reminded Iowans that mid-June to early-July is prime strawberry season and encouraged Iowans to take advantage of the many berries grown in Iowa. “Despite the wet and cool weather this year that has pushed the strawberry harvest to be slightly later than it typically is, many growers are still reporting a good crop,” Northey said. “Don’t delay in visiting your local ‘you pick’ operation or farmers market since the prime season for strawberries lasts a few weeks here in Iowa.” Strawberries are one of the world’s most popular fruits being consumed by 94% of all U.S. households. Not only are strawberries, one of the most popular fruits but they are also one of the healthiest fruits you can eat. Strawberries are a great source of Vitamin C. One serving of just eight strawberries will provide 140% of the U.S. Recommended Daily Allowance of Vitamin C.

Iowa growers receive nearly $3.5 million in gross income as a result of strawberry production in the state, according to the 2001 study done by the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture. The 2007 Census of Agriculture shows there are 150 strawberry farms in Iowa, compared with 115 in 2002. Iowa varieties include Tristar, Eariglow, Jewel, and Honeoye.

Fresh strawberries can be picked as part of a family outing at one of the many “You Pick” operations around the state, or when shopping at your local farmers market. It is good to call before going to a “You Pick” farm, especially this year, to make sure fields aren’t too wet to access the strawberries.

To get the best berries:

look for strawberries with their green caps intact strawberries will not continue to ripen after they are picked and are best when eaten within a few days the prime strawberry season only lasts 2-3 weeks in Iowa, so don’t delay in getting the best Iowa has to offer to find local strawberry farms in your area visit www.chooseiowa.com while there, view the Fresh Facts brochure “A Berry Good Idea!” for tips on picking and storing fresh strawberries as well as a variety of recipes “Generally being the first fresh fruit of the summer, strawberries get us ready for a long season of delicious and healthy local treats,” Northey said. NORTHEY COMMENTS ON IOWA CROPS AND WEATHER REPORT

DES MOINES Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey today commented on the Iowa Crops and Weather report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistical Service. The report is released weekly from April through October.

“With most planting done, focus is starting to move to weed and pest control,” Northey said. “Overall growing conditions have been quite good, but much of the state could use a shot of rain while the Southeast corner of the state still needs to dry out.”

The weekly report is also available on the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s website at www.IowaAgriculture.gov . The report follows here:

DRASTICALLY DIFFERENT WEATHER DESIRED

Agricultural Summary: Depending on their location, Iowa farmers are hoping for vastly different weather. As the Southeast tries to dry out, the Northwest asks for more rain. Many reporters agree that warmth would help crops progress. Farmers are staying busy with weed control and scouting for early signs of harmful insects like the black cutworm. Producers remained optimistic through typical weather and crop progress for the first week of June.

There were 4.3 days suitable for fieldwork during the week, compared to the five-year average of 3.8 days. Topsoil moisture rated 1 percent very short, 8 percent short, 69 percent adequate, and 22 percent surplus across the state. Subsoil moisture rated 1 percent very short, 6 percent short, 70 percent adequate, and 23 percent surplus.

Field Crops Report: Corn planting is near completion, 1 percentage point ahead of last year’s pace, but 1 percentage point below the five-year average. Ninety-five percent of the corn acres have emerged compared with 87 percent last year but one percentage point behind the five-year average. Corn condition was rated 2 percent poor, 17 percent fair, 62 percent good, and 19 percent excellent.

Soybean planting advanced 4 percentage points from last week to 95 percent complete, ahead of last year but on par with the five-year average. Southern districts continue to lag behind the State average for planting. Eighty percent of the State’s soybean crop has emerged, ahead of last year but equal to the five-year average. Soybean condition was rated 3 percent poor, 18 percent fair, 63 percent good, and 16 percent excellent.

Cool weather kept oat emerged at 99 percent with 7 percent headed. Most of the oat acreage headed was reported in the Southern two-thirds of the State. Oat condition was rated 2 percent poor, 19 percent fair, 59 percent good, and 20 percent excellent.

Producers continue to harvest the first cutting of alfalfa with 39 percent harvested, behind the five-year average of 46 percent. All hay condition was rated 2 percent very poor, 7 percent poor, 27 percent fair, 49 percent good, and 15 percent excellent. Northern districts are reporting areas of winter kill in alfalfa fields as harvest begins to pick up Statewide.

Livestock, Pasture and Range Report: Pasture and range condition rated 1 percent very poor, 5 percent poor, 24 percent fair, 51 percent good, and 19 percent excellent. Stress levels on cattle continue to be relatively low. Bulls are being turned out with cows for the spring breeding season. Pastures continue to green up nicely.

Livestock, Pasture and Range Report: Pasture and range condition rated 1 percent very poor, 5 percent poor, 24 percent fair, 51 percent good, and 19 percent excellent. Stress levels on cattle continue to be relatively low. Bulls are being turned out with cows for the spring breeding season. Pastures continue to green up nicely.