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.
“Warm and muggy conditions didn’t deter visitors from enjoying another successful Iowa State Fair,” said Secretary Naig. “Drier weather in western Iowa broke an eight-week streak of unseasonably wet conditions, and for the first time in over a year, Iowa’s drought map is free of drought and abnormal dryness. The outlook through the end of August suggests cooler temperatures and more seasonal rainfall potential.”
The weekly report is also available on the USDA’s website at nass.usda.gov.
Crop Report
Scattered precipitation across the State allowed Iowa’s farmers 5.1 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending August 17, 2025, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Field activities included harvesting oats and hay and a few reports of fungicide and insecticide applications.
Topsoil moisture condition rated 0 percent very short, 2 percent short, 72 percent adequate and 26 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 0 percent very short, 4 percent short, 73 percent adequate and 23 percent surplus.
Nearly all of Iowa’s corn has reached the silking stage. Corn in the dough stage reached 78 percent, 1 day behind last year’s pace and 3 days behind normal. Corn in the dent stage reached 27 percent, 1 day ahead of last year, but 1 day behind the five-year average. Corn condition rated 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 11 percent fair, 56 percent good and 30 percent excellent. Soybeans blooming reached 96 percent. Eighty-three percent of soybeans were setting pods, 1 day ahead of last year’s pace, but 4 days behind normal. Soybean condition rated 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 15 percent fair, 60 percent good and 22 percent excellent. Ninety-one percent of the oat for grain crop has been harvested.
The third cutting of alfalfa hay reached 65 percent complete. Pasture condition rated 83 percent good to excellent. Frequent rains have kept pastures growing and extended grazing periods. Livestock were generally in good condition, with a few reports of stress caused by heat and humidity.
