DES MOINES, Iowa (July 7, 2025) – Farmers across Iowa made steady progress last week thanks to improved weather, logging an average of 4.8 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending July 6, according to the latest report from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service.
Moisture levels remain favorable, with topsoil moisture rated at 73 percent adequate and 16 percent surplus. Only 1 percent of topsoil was reported as very short. Subsoil moisture conditions were similarly strong, with 73 percent adequate and 10 percent surplus.
Corn development continues to track well, with 15 percent of the crop silking—matching last year’s pace and coming in two days ahead of the five-year average. Some early reports indicated that corn in parts of the state has reached the dough stage. The condition of Iowa’s corn was reported as 86 percent good to excellent, with only 2 percent rated poor and none considered very poor.
Soybeans are also progressing ahead of schedule. Blooming reached 36 percent, three days ahead of last year and one day ahead of the average. Nine percent of soybeans were reported as setting pods. Overall, 79 percent of the state’s soybean crop was rated in good to excellent condition.
Small grain progress is strong as well. Iowa’s oat crop is 94 percent headed and 55 percent has turned color, with 9 percent already harvested for grain. Oats were rated 88 percent good to excellent.
Hay production also moved forward with 53 percent of the state’s second cutting of alfalfa hay complete. A few producers have begun their third cutting. Hay conditions remain strong, with 84 percent rated good to excellent. Pasture conditions followed suit, with 71 percent rated in the top two categories.
Despite high heat and humidity, livestock across the state were reported to be in generally good condition.
The crop report provides a snapshot of how Iowa’s agricultural season is progressing as farmers continue managing fieldwork and livestock during the peak of summer.