Iowa Farmers Near Harvest Amid Warm Dry Weather

By Andi Anderson

Warm and dry weather provided Iowa farmers with 6.5 suitable fieldwork days during the week ending September 14, 2025, according to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service.

The favorable conditions allowed producers to finish the third cutting of hay, harvest corn silage, and prepare equipment and fields for the main corn and soybean harvest.

Soil moisture levels showed signs of decline. Topsoil moisture was rated 4 percent very short, 22 percent short, 65 percent adequate, and 9 percent surplus.

Subsoil moisture stood at 2 percent very short, 18 percent short, 71 percent adequate, and 9 percent surplus, indicating overall adequate levels but a gradual drying trend.

Corn development remains ahead of schedule. Ninety percent of corn was dented or beyond, running five days ahead of last year and one day ahead of the five-year average.

Nearly half—48 percent—has reached maturity, four days ahead of last year and three days ahead of the average. Condition ratings held steady, with 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 16 percent fair, 59 percent good, and 20 percent excellent.

Soybeans also progressed well, with 73 percent coloring, two days ahead of last year and one day ahead of average. About 35 percent of soybeans were dropping leaves, signaling the approach of harvest.

Soybean condition was rated 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 20 percent fair, 57 percent good, and 18 percent excellent.

Hay and pasture reports remain positive. The third cutting of alfalfa hay reached 96 percent complete. Pastures were rated 63 percent good to excellent, supporting livestock as row crop harvest nears.

Overall, Iowa farmers are set for an early and efficient harvest season, benefiting from favorable weather even as soil moisture shows slight declines.

Photo Credit: istock-pixeldigits