DES MOINES — Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented on the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The report is released weekly April through November. Additionally, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship provides a weather summary each week during this time.

“Strong storms swept through parts of northern Iowa last week, bringing hail that damaged some corn and soybean fields. Despite that unwelcomed severe weather, most of the state experienced a good mix of rain and seasonal temperatures that helped the crops progress,” said Secretary Naig. “As summer officially arrives this week, forecasts are showing warmer-than-normal temperatures and continued chances of storms and widespread showers.”

The weekly report is also available on the USDA’s website at nass.usda.gov.

Crop Report
Farmers had 5.5 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending June 15, 2025, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Damaging hail and wind was reported in parts of northern Iowa, which also received the most significant rainfall during the week. Field activities included cutting hay, side dressing and spraying crops.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 5 percent very short, 22 percent short, 70 percent adequate and 3 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 7 percent very short, 29 percent short, 60 percent adequate and 4 percent surplus.

At 97 percent, nearly all of Iowa’s corn crop has emerged, ahead of last year’s pace but matching the 5-year average. Corn condition rated 0 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 14 percent fair, 63 percent good and 21 percent excellent. Ninety-three percent of soybeans have emerged, 1 week ahead of last year and 2 days ahead of normal. Soybean condition rated 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 17 percent fair, 62 percent good and 18 percent excellent. Iowa’s oat crop reached 69 percent headed and 19 percent turning color. Oat condition rated 0 percent very poor, 1 percent poor, 15 percent fair, 65 percent good and 19 percent excellent.

Eighty-eight percent of the State’s first cutting of alfalfa hay has been completed. The second cutting reached 16 percent complete. Hay condition rated 82 percent good to excellent. Pasture condition rated 69 to percent good to excellent. No major livestock concerns were reported.

DES MOINES — Invasive species, like emerald ash borer, Asian longhorned beetle, spongy moth and oriental bittersweet threaten Iowa’s ecosystem by competing with and destroying native trees and disrupting the natural complex habitat system.

Iowa woodlands, wildlands and waterways draw hundreds of thousands of tourists and recreational users each year. Much of the spread of invasive species comes from people simply enjoying nature. Uninvited guests can hitch a ride on outdoor gear, shoes and clothes, traveling hundreds of miles in a single day.

Take these easy steps to stop the spread of invasive species in your community.

• Verify that the plants you buy for your yard or garden are not invasive. Many non-native plants can become invasive. Find quick ID photos and common management techniques to control 19 invasive trees, shrubs and plants on the DNR webpage at iowadnr.gov/programs-services/forestry-resources/forest-tree-health/invasive-plants
• Look for spongy moth egg masses on all outdoor equipment when traveling from a spongy moth quarantined area.
• Clean your boots before and after you hike in a new area to avoid spreading seeds. This is a common way garlic mustard and other plants are spread.
• Do not buy or sell firewood from outside your county. Firewood can contain emerald ash borer, Sirex woodwasp, Asian longhorned beetle, oak wilt and many more pests. Plenty of firewood is available locally near state and county parks. Make sure to burn all of the firewood at the campsite and not leave it or transport to a new area.
• Work with your private lands district forester for plans to make your forests more resilient to invasive species. Find contact information and forest landowner assistance resources online at iowadnr.gov/programs-services/forestry-resources/forestry-landowner-assistance.

Learn more about forest invasive species on the DNR website at www.iowadnr.gov/invasives.