The Iowa Crop Progress and Condition report was released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistical Service Tuesday.

Iowa farmers had 5.3 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending July 22. Some farmers had to spend time surveying damage from the tornadoes, high winds and hail that struck parts of the State on Thursday. Regular activities included harvesting hay and applying chemicals. Flood-related nutrient loss and crop damage remain a concern in the northern two-thirds of the State while subsoil moisture levels in south central and southeast Iowa considered short to very short are nearing 75 percent. Eighty-eight percent of the corn crop has silked, 1 week ahead of last year and 11 days ahead of the 5-year average. Corn condition rated 79 percent good to excellent. Eighty-one percent of the soybean crop was blooming, with 40 percent of the soybean crop setting pods, 5 days ahead of last year and 6 days ahead of the average. Soybean condition rated 76 percent good to excellent. The second cutting of alfalfa hay reached 86 percent complete, 10 days ahead of average. Cooler temperatures have provided livestock with some relief from high temperatures experienced in previous weeks.