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 was hot and muggy as a heat dome settled over the Midwest, producing some sweltering heat and humidity,” said Secretary Naig. “Forecasts show chances for a few more thunderstorms this week, followed by a welcome break from the hot weather. With a few days to go in the month, preliminary estimates indicate it could rank among the top ten wettest Julys on record.”
The weekly report is also available on the USDA’s website at nass.usda.gov.
Crop Report
Another wet and humid week limited Iowa farmers to 3.6 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending July 27, 2025, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Field activities included harvesting oats, cutting hay and applying fungicide.
Topsoil moisture condition rated 1 percent very short, 4 percent short, 65 percent adequate and 30 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 2 percent very short, 7 percent short, 67 percent adequate and 24 percent surplus.
Corn silking reached 84 percent, 1 day ahead of both last year and the five-year average. Thirty-four percent of Iowa’s corn has reached the dough stage, 1 day ahead of last year’s pace and 3 days ahead of normal. Corn condition rated 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 10 percent fair, 59 percent good and 28 percent excellent. Soybeans blooming reached 81 percent, unchanged from last year, but 2 days behind normal. Fifty-two percent of soybeans were setting pods, 5 days ahead of last year and 2 days ahead of the five-year average. Soybean condition rated 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 15 percent fair, 61 percent good and 21 percent excellent. Ninety-five percent of oats were turning color and 49 percent of the oat crop has been harvested. Oat condition rated 0 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 14 percent fair, 67 percent good and 16 percent excellent.
The second cutting of alfalfa hay reached 87 percent complete while 28 percent of the third cutting has been completed. Hay condition rated 86 percent good to excellent. Pasture condition rated 82 percent good to excellent. Livestock stress from heat and humidity was reported.
