Posted 13 August, 2025
Precipitation, heaviest in the western third of the State, limited producers to 4.7 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending August 10, 2025, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Some fields started to dry out while low spots still had ponding. Field activities included harvesting oats and hay as conditions allowed.
Topsoil moisture condition rated 0 percent very short, 2 percent short, 68 percent adequate and 30 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 0 percent very short, 3 percent short, 71 percent adequate and 26 percent surplus.
Ninety-six percent of Iowa’s corn has reached the silking stage. Corn in the dough stage was 68 percent, 1 day ahead of both last year’s pace and the 5-year average. Fifteen percent of the corn crop was dented. Corn condition rated 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 11 percent fair, 57 percent good and 29 percent excellent. Soybeans blooming reached 93 percent. Seventy-five percent of soybeans were setting pods, 2 days ahead of last year, but 3 days behind normal. Soybean condition rated 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 16 percent fair, 60 percent good and 21 percent excellent. Eighty-three percent of the oat crop has been harvested for grain, 1 week behind last year and 5 days behind average.
The second cutting of alfalfa hay neared completion while 50 percent of the third cutting has been completed. Hay condition rated 85 percent good to excellent.