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.
“Last week, many areas of the state received several rounds of rain, which tapped the brakes on fall field work. Upcoming forecasts show a switch back to warmer and drier conditions through the end of September. Farmers who have corn and soybeans ready to go will likely take full advantage of that window to make progress on harvest,” said Secretary Naig. “I also want to remind all Iowans that this is National Farm Safety and Health Week. Whether you’re on the road, in the field or working around the farm, please keep safety top of mind. Farming comes with long, stressful days and real economic challenges right now. I encourage everybody to take care of their mental health and check in on their family members and neighbors, too.”
The weekly report is also available on the USDA’s website at nass.usda.gov.
Crop Report
Wet conditions for portions of Iowa reduced days suitable for fieldwork to 4.9 during the week ending September 21, 2025, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Warm temperatures advanced crop maturity quickly. Fieldwork included the beginning of corn and soybean harvest in many areas.
Topsoil moisture condition rated 3 percent very short, 18 percent short, 70 percent adequate and 9 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 2 percent very short, 17 percent short, 72 percent adequate and 9 percent surplus.
Ninety-five percent of corn was dented or beyond. Sixty-six percent of corn has matured, 4 days ahead of last year and 2 days ahead of the five-year average. The corn for grain harvest has begun and was 8 percent complete. Corn condition rated 1 percent very poor, 6 percent poor, 19 percent fair, 55 percent good and 19 percent excellent. Soybeans coloring advanced to 89 percent. Sixty-two percent of soybeans were dropping leaves, 2 days ahead of last year and 1 day ahead of average. Soybean condition rated 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 21 percent fair, 57 percent good and 17 percent excellent.
Pasture condition rated 60 percent good to excellent.
