DES MOINES, Iowa (June 2, 2025) – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says Iowa farmers are hitting a key transition point in the growing season, as spring planting nears completion and attention shifts to crop maintenance and hay production.
“Planting is nearly complete across the state and most of the corn and soybeans have emerged. Many farmers are now turning their attention to applying crop protection products and baling hay,” said Secretary Naig. “While haze from Canadian wildfires has hung around the last few days, it’s expected to clear by mid-week. The forecast shows much of the state could receive some welcome rain in the week ahead.”
The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released its latest Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report for the week ending June 1, 2025, showing a productive week for growers thanks to favorable weather.
Field Conditions and Activity
Farmers enjoyed 5.4 days suitable for fieldwork, thanks to mostly dry conditions with only isolated showers. Primary activities included planting the final acres of corn and soybeans, spraying crops, and harvesting the first cutting of hay.
Moisture Levels
Topsoil moisture levels held mostly steady with:
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5% very short
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23% short
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70% adequate
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2% surplus
Subsoil moisture was rated:
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5% very short
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27% short
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65% adequate
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3% surplus
Corn and Soybeans
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Corn planting reached 97%, with 87% emerged—running six days ahead of last year and slightly ahead of the five-year average.
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Corn condition was reported as 84% good to excellent.
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Soybean planting hit 96%, with 79% emerged, which is ten days ahead of last year and four days ahead of average.
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Soybean condition came in at 81% good to excellent.
Small Grains and Forage
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Oats emerged reached 95%, and 41% of the crop is headed, which is ahead of both last year and the typical schedule.
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Oat condition remains strong, rated 85% good to excellent.
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First cutting of alfalfa hay is 61% complete, outpacing last year by nearly a week.
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Hay condition was rated 83% good to excellent, and pasture condition was also solid, with 73% good to excellent.
As the 2025 growing season continues to progress ahead of schedule in many areas, farmers are closely watching the weather forecast. A return of measurable rainfall would help maintain strong crop and pasture conditions heading into the summer.
The full weekly report is available at nass.usda.gov.