By Andi Anderson
Iowa farmers experienced a challenging week with rain on and off, reducing fieldwork opportunities to just 3.8 suitable days during the week ending July 13, 2025. The wet conditions slowed field activities across the state, according to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service.
Moisture levels in the soil remained strong. Topsoil moisture was reported at 71 percent adequate and 23 percent surplus, with no areas marked as very short. Subsoil moisture followed a similar pattern, rated at 74 percent adequate and 16 percent surplus.
Corn progress stayed near seasonal averages. About 36 percent of Iowa’s corn had reached the silking stage, slightly behind last year but slightly ahead of the five-year average. Additionally, 5 percent of corn had reached the dough stage. The corn crop condition remained positive, with 85 percent rated good to excellent.
Soybeans showed good development, with 54 percent blooming—three days ahead of last year—and 18 percent setting pods, also ahead of historical averages. The soybean crop held steady with 79 percent rated good to excellent.
Iowa’s oat crop made solid progress, with 96 percent headed and 71 percent turning color. Harvest of oats for grain reached 19 percent. The condition of the oat crop remained strong, with 86 percent rated good to excellent.
Hay production was also moving forward. The second cutting of alfalfa hay reached 66 percent completion, and 7 percent of the third cutting was done. Hay conditions stayed favorable, with 83 percent rated good to excellent. Pastures benefited from the moisture, with 75 percent reported in good to excellent condition.
Overall, despite the challenge of wet fields slowing operations, Iowa’s major crops and pastures are in good shape, showing resilience and steady progress.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: Iowa, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, Hay & Forage, Weather