Warm and dry conditions throughout the state gave Iowa farmers 6.2 days of suitable fieldwork last week with some farmers getting an early start on harvesting, according to the latest Iowa Crop Progress and Condition report from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Field activities included harvesting hay and corn silage. The state’s corn condition decreased by one percentage point from last week to 59% good to excellent. Eighty-seven percent of the corn crop has reached the dent stage or beyond, three days ahead of the five-year average with 33% of corn having reached maturity, two days ahead of normal. Soybean condition increased by one percentage point to 62% good to excellent. Soybeans coloring or beyond reached 67%, three days ahead of the five-year average with soybeans dropping leaves reaching 30%, also three days ahead of normal. There were scattered reports of corn for grain and soybeans being harvested throughout the week. Pasture condition was rated 35% good to excellent. Livestock was reported to have done well in spite of the warmer and drier conditions. There were reports of low water levels in creeks and ponds for livestock use.