Iowa’s soybeans are four days ahead of last year. According to this week’s Crop Progress and Condition Report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 96% of soybeans in the state are setting pods. In southeast Iowa, 89% are setting pods and 25% are coloring, ahead of the five-year average of 10% coloring. Soybeans are currently rated at 27% fair, 52% good and 12% excellent. There have been some reports of sudden death and white mold in some soybean fields.