Another round of wet and humid weather hampered Iowa farmers last week, leaving only 3.6 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending July 27, 2025, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).
Despite the limited time in the field, growers continued harvesting oats, cutting hay, and applying fungicide as crop development advanced steadily across the state.
Soil moisture conditions remained strong, with topsoil rated 65 percent adequate and 30 percent surplus. Only 1 percent of topsoil was rated very short, and 4 percent short. Subsoil moisture showed similar trends, with 67 percent adequate and 24 percent surplus, while just 2 percent was rated very short and 7 percent short.
Corn and Soybean Progress Surges Ahead
Corn silking reached 84 percent statewide, putting the crop one day ahead of both last year and the five-year average. Thirty-four percent of corn has entered the dough stage, which is also slightly ahead of typical progress. Corn condition remained strong, with 59 percent rated good and 28 percent excellent. Only 3 percent of the crop was considered poor or very poor.
Soybeans also made progress, though blooming remained slightly behind average. At 81 percent, the crop was on pace with last year but two days behind the norm. Pod setting stood at 52 percent, five days ahead of last year and two days ahead of average. Overall, soybean condition was rated 61 percent good and 21 percent excellent.
Small Grains and Hay
Ninety-five percent of Iowa’s oat crop has turned color, and nearly half—49 percent—has already been harvested. Oats continued to show solid health, with 67 percent in good condition and 16 percent rated excellent.
Alfalfa hay producers were busy between rain events, with 87 percent of the second cutting complete and 28 percent of the third cutting now finished. Hay conditions were favorable overall, with 86 percent of the crop rated good to excellent.
Livestock Facing Heat Stress
While pastures remained in excellent shape—82 percent rated good to excellent—livestock faced increasing stress due to the persistent humidity and high temperatures. Producers continue to monitor animal health closely as summer heat intensifies.
Farmers across the state remain hopeful for drier conditions in the coming weeks to keep the harvest and crop development on track.