With only scattered rainfall across the state, Iowa farmers had 6.3 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending August 31, 2025, according to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. Activities in the field included cutting and baling hay.
Topsoil moisture was rated 1% very short, 9% short, 78% adequate and 12% surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 1% very short, 7% short, 79% adequate and 13% surplus.
Corn development continued to move forward, with 92% of the crop in the dough stage or beyond. Sixty-three percent of corn has reached the dent stage, which is two days ahead of last year but two days behind the five-year average. Nine percent of corn has matured. Overall, corn condition was rated 1% very poor, 2% poor, 13% fair, 58% good and 26% excellent.
Soybeans are progressing as well, with 95% setting pods. Nineteen percent of soybeans have begun coloring, which is one day ahead of last year but one day behind the average. Scattered reports noted soybeans beginning to drop leaves. Soybean condition was rated 1% very poor, 3% poor, 19% fair, 58% good and 19% excellent.
Oat harvest was virtually complete across the state. The third cutting of alfalfa hay was 87% finished. Pasture conditions remained favorable, with 72% rated good to excellent.