An increase in precipitation allowed Iowa farmers 6.1 days of suitable fieldwork last week, according to the latest Iowa Crop Progress and Condition report from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Isolated areas of northeast Iowa received substantial rain with some parts of the state receiving no measurable amounts of precipitation. With the lack of precipitation, drought conditions continue throughout most of Iowa. The state’s corn condition rated 58% good to excellent, a decrease from 61% last week. Corn in or beyond the dough stage reached 83%, one week ahead of the 5-year average with 29% percent of the corn reaching the dent stage, four days ahead of normal. Soybean condition was rated 58% good to excellent, compared to 60% last week. Soybeans setting pods reached 90%, one week ahead of normal.Hay condition rated 55% good to excellent. Pasture condition was rated 33% good to excellent. In some areas of the state pastures have stopped growing due to lack of rain.