Timely Rain Boosts Iowa Crop Progress and Growth

By Andi Anderson

Iowa farmers made good planting progress during the week ending May 25, 2025, despite limited time in the fields due to timely but needed rainfall.

According to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, farmers had only 3.8 days suitable for fieldwork, as many waited for warmer and drier conditions to begin spraying.

Topsoil moisture conditions were rated 4% very short, 15% short, 76% adequate, and 5% surplus. Subsoil moisture was reported as 5% very short, 23% short, 67% adequate, and 5% surplus, showing overall strong support for continued crop development.

Corn planting is nearly finished with 95% complete. Corn emergence has reached 76%, putting it six days ahead of last year and two days ahead of the five-year average. Corn condition was rated 0% very poor, 2% poor, 15% fair, 62% good, and 21% excellent, showing strong early-season health.

Soybean planting reached 92%, more than two weeks ahead of last year and eight days ahead of the five-year average. Soybean emergence stood at 60%, also ahead of typical progress. Soybean condition was rated 1% very poor, 2% poor, 17% fair, 64% good, and 16% excellent.

Iowa’s oat crop also showed solid development with 92% emerged and 26% headed. Oat condition ratings included 0% very poor, 1% poor, 13% fair, 69% good, and 17% excellent.

About 40% of the state’s first cutting of alfalfa hay has been completed. Hay condition remains strong, with 85% rated good to excellent. Pasture condition followed suit, with 68% rated good to excellent.

Overall, the combination of timely rain and strong soil moisture has kept Iowa crops on track and ahead of schedule, setting a promising tone for the 2025 growing season.

Photo Credit: usda