Iowa Crop Progress Report Shows Steady Corn and Soybean Growth

By Andi Anderson

According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, Iowa farmers experienced 6.3 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending August 31, 2025. Spotty rainfall allowed producers to continue activities such as cutting and baling hay.

Soil conditions remain mostly favorable. Topsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 9 percent short, 78 percent adequate, and 12 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels were similar, with 1 percent very short, 7 percent short, 79 percent adequate, and 13 percent surplus.

Corn development progressed steadily. About 92 percent of the crop has reached the dough stage, while 63 percent has reached the dent stage or beyond, which is two days ahead of last year but slightly behind the five-year average.

Nine percent of corn is now mature. Crop condition was reported as 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 13 percent fair, 58 percent good, and 26 percent excellent.

Soybean progress also advanced, with 95 percent setting pods and 19 percent coloring or beyond. This pace is nearly in line with last year and the five-year average. Some fields have started dropping leaves. Soybean condition was rated 1 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 19 percent fair, 58 percent good, and 19 percent excellent.

Oat harvest was virtually complete across the state. Forages showed strong results, with the third cutting of alfalfa hay 87 percent finished. Pastures remain in solid shape, with 72 percent rated good to excellent.

The USDA’s weekly crop update highlights a season of steady development, with most crop and forage conditions reflecting favorable moisture and timely fieldwork opportunities for Iowa producers.

Photo Credit: istock-dusanpetkovic