By Andi Anderson
According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, Iowa experienced 4.7 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending August 10, 2025. Heavy precipitation in the western third of the state limited field activities, with some fields drying out while others remained flooded in low spots.
Despite the weather challenges, farmers were able to continue harvesting oats and hay as conditions allowed.
Topsoil moisture was rated 0 percent very short, 2 percent short, 68 percent adequate, and 30 percent surplus, with subsoil moisture rated 0 percent very short, 3 percent short, 71 percent adequate, and 26 percent surplus.
This indicates that while moisture levels were generally favorable, some areas experienced excess water from recent rainfalls.
In terms of crop progress, 96 percent of Iowa’s corn crop had reached the silking stage, and 68 percent had reached the dough stage, which is 1 day ahead of both last year’s pace and the 5-year average.
However, 15 percent of the corn crop was dented, a sign that maturity is advancing. Corn condition was rated 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 11 percent fair, 57 percent good, and 29 percent excellent.
Soybean blooming reached 93 percent, with 75 percent of the crop setting pods. This is 2 days ahead of last year, but 3 days behind normal. Soybean condition was rated 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 16 percent fair, 60 percent good, and 21 percent excellent.
The oat harvest continued, with 83 percent of the crop harvested for grain, which is 1 week behind last year and 5 days behind average. Alfalfa hay saw the second cutting nearly completed, and 50 percent of the third cutting was finished. Hay conditions remained strong, with 85 percent of it rated good to excellent.
Pasture conditions were reported to be 81 percent good to excellent, with livestock remaining in good condition overall. Despite the challenges posed by the recent precipitation, the overall agricultural outlook for Iowa remains positive as crops progress toward maturity.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-dszc
Categories: Iowa, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, Hay & Forage, Weather