Iowa farmers had 5.6 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending August 24, 2025, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. The week began with warm temperatures before giving way to a much cooler weekend. Field activities included oat and hay harvests, while reports noted rising levels of crop disease across the state.
Topsoil moisture levels were reported at 1% very short, 5% short, 74% adequate, and 20% surplus. Subsoil moisture was similar, with 1% very short, 5% short, 77% adequate, and 17% surplus.
Corn progress remained slightly behind average. Eighty-eight percent of corn has reached the dough stage, one day behind last year and three days behind the five-year average. Corn in the dent stage reached 45%, a day ahead of last year but one day behind the average. Overall, corn condition rated 1% very poor, 2% poor, 13% fair, 56% good, and 28% excellent.
Soybeans also showed steady progress, with 90% setting pods. That’s one day ahead of last year, but four days behind normal. Soybeans coloring reached 8%. Crop condition was rated 1% very poor, 3% poor, 17% fair, 59% good, and 20% excellent.
Oat harvest is nearly complete, with 97% of the crop harvested for grain. The third cutting of alfalfa hay reached 78% complete. Pastures continued to hold strong, with 80% rated in good to excellent condition.