Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report
June 9 – 15, 2025DES MOINES, Iowa (June 16, 2025) – 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. “Strong storms swept through parts of northern Iowa last week, bringing hail that damaged some corn and soybean fields. Despite that unwelcomed severe weather, most of the state experienced a good mix of rain and seasonal temperatures that helped the crops progress,” said Secretary Naig. “As summer officially arrives this week, forecasts are showing warmer-than-normal temperatures and continued chances of storms and widespread showers.” The weekly report is also available on the USDA’s website at nass.usda.gov. Crop Report Topsoil moisture condition rated 5 percent very short, 22 percent short, 70 percent adequate and 3 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 7 percent very short, 29 percent short, 60 percent adequate and 4 percent surplus. At 97 percent, nearly all of Iowa’s corn crop has emerged, ahead of last year’s pace but matching the 5-year average. Corn condition rated 0 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 14 percent fair, 63 percent good and 21 percent excellent. Ninety-three percent of soybeans have emerged, 1 week ahead of last year and 2 days ahead of normal. Soybean condition rated 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 17 percent fair, 62 percent good and 18 percent excellent. Iowa’s oat crop reached 69 percent headed and 19 percent turning color. Oat condition rated 0 percent very poor, 1 percent poor, 15 percent fair, 65 percent good and 19 percent excellent. Eighty-eight percent of the State’s first cutting of alfalfa hay has been completed. The second cutting reached 16 percent complete. Hay condition rated 82 percent good to excellent. Pasture condition rated 69 to percent good to excellent. No major livestock concerns were reported. Weather Summary An unsettled weather pattern persisted across Iowa over the reporting period with multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms. Even though rainfall was widespread, weekly totals were still below normal for much of Iowa. Temperatures were generally near-normal to a degree above normal for most of Iowa with a statewide average temperature of 70.2 degrees, 0.4 degree above normal. Showers pushed across southern Iowa on Sunday (8th) afternoon as a cold front dropped through the state. Clear skies over northern Iowa helped push temperatures into the mid 70s. Rainfall totals were generally under 0.20 inch with most stations reporting less than 0.10 inch; a 0.21-inch-total was found in Murray (Clarke County). Winds shifted to the northwest on Monday (9th) morning with partly cloudy conditions developing through the daytime hours and highs in the 60s. Tuesday (10th) dawned with clear skies and patchy fog over portions of Iowa where winds were light; morning lows held in the 50s for most Iowa stations. Westerly winds persisted as highs warmed into the upper 80s and low 90s in northwestern Iowa with upper 70s southeast under sunny skies. A southerly shifting wind and temperatures in the 60s greeted Iowans on Wednesday (11th) morning with conditions quickly warming into the 80s by noon. A stationary front draped over northern Iowa was a forcing mechanism for strong to severe thunderstorms during the afternoon and evening hours. Several storms produced large hail and severe straight-line winds along a line from Rock Rapids (Lyon County) to Urbana (Benton County). There were numerous reports of crop and tree damage from larger hail and wind-driven hail. Moderate to heavy rain and training thunderstorms also brought significant totals to north-central Iowa; Nashua (Floyd County) observed 2.10 inches while Mason City (Cerro Gordo County) collected 3.22 inches. Many stations along the eastern and western periphery reported amounts in the 0.50 to 1.00-inch with lesser totals farther south. Winds turned easterly into Thursday (12th) with some lingering showers in northern Iowa with otherwise clear conditions and temperatures in the 60s. Scattered thundershowers popped up from south-central to northeastern Iowa during the late afternoon into the nighttime hours. Several stations reported heavier amounts, varying from 1.02 inches in Davis City (Decatur County) to 2.20 inches in Osage (Mitchell County). Conditions stabilized on Friday (13th) with southeasterly winds and unseasonably warm temperatures in the upper 60s and low 70s. Cloud cover increased into the afternoon with daytime highs in the 80s statewide. A few isolated thunderstorms developed in north-central Iowa around sunset with showers moving over extreme southeastern Iowa; rain totals were under a few tenths of an inch. Overnight lows on Saturday (14th) were up to 10 degrees above normal, in the upper 60s and low 70s for several locations. With higher dewpoints and light winds, dense fog formed over much of the state through early morning. As temperatures warmed, showers and thunderstorms developed along a surface boundary from central to northwestern Iowa, where some cells became severe warned. The complex expanded over most of northern Iowa with the highest amounts in Hamilton County where two Webster City gauges collected 2.61 and 2.84 inches. Twenty-five stations reported at least an inch with widespread 0.25- to 0.50-inch totals reported at 7:00 am on Sunday (15th); the statewide average was 0.38 inch. Weekly rainfall ranged from no accumulation in eastern and western Iowa to 3.83 inches in Mason City. The statewide weekly average precipitation was 0.68 inch; the normal is 1.19 inches. Manchester (Delaware County) reported the week’s high temperature of 97 degrees on the 11th, 18 degrees above normal. Mount Ayr (Ringgold County) and Stanley (Buchanan County) reported the week’s low temperature of 43 degrees on the 10th, on average 15 degrees below normal.
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88 Children Rescued in Louisa County Protective Operation
The Louisa County Sheriff’s Office, working in partnership with the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Child Protection Services), the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Columbus Junction Police Department, conducted a significant child protective operation on June 12th and 13th. The joint effort led to the execution of search warrants at two locations: 10431 Q Avenue, Columbus Junction, and 1101 5th Avenue, Fredonia.
Authorities initiated the operation following reports of child endangerment. The effort focused on ensuring the welfare of children associated with the Kingdom Ministry of Rehab and Recreation and the Shekinah Glory Camp.
In total, 88 children were taken into protective custody during the operation. The children were safely transported to the Wapello Methodist Church, where they were met by multiple child protection workers. From there, arrangements were made to reunite children with their parents, or place them with temporary foster care or under the supervision of HHS, pending further safety evaluations.
The Wapello Methodist Church, Wapello Community Ambulance, Wapello Community School, local food pantries, and numerous volunteers assisted with care and logistics throughout the process.
The investigation remains ongoing. Officials remind the public that a criminal charge or report is merely an accusation, and any defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Connie J. Richardson
Connie J. Richardson, 72, of Lockridge passed away on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics surrounded by her loving family
There will be a time of food and fellowship to celebrate the life of Connie on Saturday, June 21, 2025 from 11 until 2 p.m. at the Lockridge School Community Room.
Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant is caring for Connie and her family.
Shirley Langel
Shirley Langel, 85, of Mount Pleasant passed away on Sunday, June 15, 2025, at the New London Specialty Care Center.
Friends may call after 2 p.m. on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at the Murphy Funeral Home in Mount Pleasant.
The family will be present until 4 p.m. that afternoon.
Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.murphyfuneralandmonuments.com
Murphy Funeral Home of Mount. Pleasant, is caring for her arrangements.
Barbara Scott
Barbara Scott, 81, of Mount Pleasant, died Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at Savannah Heights in Mount Pleasant.
Barbara was born April 25, 1944, in Rutland, Massachusetts, the daughter of Clarence and Eunice (Handy) Strong. On October 28, 1979, she was united in marriage to James L. Scott in Kahoka, Missouri. They made their home in the Mount Pleasant community for over 50 years. Barbara was a member of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church and former member of the First Baptist Church.
Barbara is survived by seven children: Patrick (Julie) Reed of Marshfield, Missouri, Diana (Don) Upton of Mount Pleasant, Connie (Bobby) Parker of Nashville, Tennessee, Melissa Wagner of Waukee, Heather (George)Wagner Yates of Fulton, Missouri, James (Mandy) Scott Jr. of Mount Union, Robert (Catie) Scott of Mount Pleasant, 20 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband James Scott, her parents and several brothers and sisters.
Graveside service will be held 3:30 p.m. Sunday, June 22, 2025, in the Grant Cemetery, rural Rome. Pastor Steve English will officiate. Visitation will be held 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Sunday, June 22, at the Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory. A memorial fund has been established for Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice. The Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory is caring for Barbara and her family. www.powellfuneralhomes.com
Iowa Cattle Face Deadly Tick Disease For First Time, First Confirmed case Of Theileriosis In Southeast Iowa Herd
Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has announced the first confirmed case of Theileriosis in Iowa cattle. The disease, caused by a parasite was detected in a herd in southeast Iowa, marking a concerning development for the state’s cattle industry.
Theileriosis infects the red and white blood cells of cattle, leading to anemia and, in severe cases, death. The disease is spread by the Asian Longhorned Tick (ALHT), a species identified in Iowa for the first time this year. Experts warn that while these ticks will remain active throughout the summer, infestations typically spike when cattle are first introduced to new pastures, where the presence of hosts triggers females to lay thousands of eggs.
Cattle infected with Theileriosis may show signs of lethargy, difficulty breathing, anemia, jaundice, ventral edema (swelling of the lower body), exercise intolerance, and in some cases, abortions. While symptoms may resemble those of anaplasmosis, younger cattle and calves tend to suffer more severe effects of Theileriosis. Combined with the stress of tick infestations, the risk of death in affected animals can increase significantly.
Veterinarians advise producers who suspect Theileria or ALHT exposure to have samples collected and submitted to the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory for confirmation.
In terms of prevention, experts emphasize that insecticide ear tags alone will not provide sufficient protection against ticks. They recommend using additional measures such as backrubbers, routine applications of pour-on insecticides. In cases of increasing tick populations, avermectin pour-on treatments may offer the most effective intervention.
While Theileria and the Asian Longhorned Tick pose serious threats to cattle and other ungulates, officials reassure the public that neither presents a health risk to humans.
Cattle producers seeking guidance on parasite management are encouraged to consult their veterinarians or local extension offices as the summer grazing season continues.
Single-Vehicle Accident on Highway 27 Involves Falling Debris from Semi
A single-vehicle accident occurred Saturday evening on the 2700 block of Highway 27 southbound lanes after debris fell from an unidentified semi-truck. The incident took place at approximately 8:19 p.m., prompting a response from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and local fire department.
According to the report filed by Deputy Jordan Maag, 25-year-old Alejandra Villarreal of Monmouth, Illinois, was driving a 2015 black Nissan Altima when a large metal piece detached from a semi-truck traveling ahead. The debris struck the front of Villarreal’s vehicle, causing significant damage to the front end and undercarriage. The semi continued without stopping and has not been identified at this time.
Villarreal and four passengers were in the vehicle. All occupants were wearing seatbelts and reported no injuries. Emergency services were initially called due to smoke coming from the vehicle, but no fire occurred. The airbags did not deploy during the incident.
The vehicle was disabled, and Villarreal arranged for a private tow, which was en route at the time deputies cleared the scene.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the incident. Anyone with information about the semi-truck involved is encouraged to contact authorities.
Fairfield Man Arrested Following Early Morning Burglary and Property Damage Incident
Fairfield, Iowa — A Fairfield man is facing multiple charges following a violent incident in the early hours of June 13, 2025, that involved a break-in, property damage, and assaults.
According to the Fairfield Police Department, officers were dispatched at approximately 2:40 a.m. to the 900 block of West Harrison Avenue after receiving reports of screaming and possible fighting. Upon arrival, officers discovered that a male suspect had forcibly entered an apartment by breaking a window. The apartment belonged to a female victim who had an active No Contact Order against the suspect.
The victim managed to escape the residence and seek assistance from a neighbor. Meanwhile, the suspect continued his destructive behavior, allegedly breaking additional windows, damaging vehicles in the parking lot, and assaulting individuals nearby. Officers identified three victims in connection with the incident.
The suspect, identified as 35-year-old Aaron Daniel Alvarez of Fairfield, was taken into custody at the scene and transported to the Jefferson County Jail. Alvarez is being held on a $50,000 bond. He faces several charges, including:
- Going Armed with Intent (Class D Felony)
- Interference with Official Acts (Simple Misdemeanor)
- Criminal Mischief 2nd Degree (Class D Felony)
- Willful Injury (Class D Felony)
- Harassment 1st Degree (Aggravated Misdemeanor) – 2 counts
- Attempted Burglary 2nd Degree (Class D Felony)
- Assault committed by a person whom a protective order is issues (class D Felony)
- Violation of a No Contact Order (simple Misdemeanor)
- Burglary 2nd Degree (Class C Felony)
Anyone with further information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Fairfield Police Department at (641) 472-4146.