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.
“Iowans flocked to Des Moines during the first few days of the Iowa State Fair, setting an all-time single-day attendance record on Saturday thanks to beautiful weather,” said Secretary Naig. “With favorable growing conditions expected to continue, USDA’s latest projections show record-breaking corn and soybean yield potential, all of which underscores the need to further develop new and existing markets for Iowa commodities.”
The weekly report is also available on the USDA’s website at nass.usda.gov.
Crop Report
Most of the State experienced dry conditions and cool temperatures which allowed Iowa farmers 6.4 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending August 11, 2024, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Field activities included harvesting oats for grain, cutting and baling hay, and preparing for the fall harvest.
Topsoil moisture condition rated 3 percent very short, 20 percent short, 72 percent adequate and 5 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 3 percent very short, 16 percent short, 77 percent adequate and 4 percent surplus.
Corn silking reached 96 percent this week. Sixty-nine percent of the corn crop has reached dough stage or beyond, 1 day behind last year but 2 days ahead of the five-year average. Seventeen percent of the corn crop has reached the dent stage, 4 days behind last year but 3 days ahead of the average. Corn condition was rated 77 percent good to excellent. Ninety-four percent of soybeans were blooming, equal to the five-year average. Soybeans setting pods reached 74 percent, 5 days behind last year and 2 days behind the average. Soybean condition rated 77 percent good to excellent. Ninety-three percent of oats have been harvested, 1 day ahead of last year and 4 days ahead of average.
The State’s second cutting of alfalfa hay reached 97 percent complete. The State’s third cutting of alfalfa hay reached 45 percent, 1 week behind last year but 2 days ahead of the five-year average. Hay condition rated 75 percent good to excellent. Pasture condition rated 63 percent good to excellent.
