As Iowa experienced more summer-like weather with light rainfall, farmers had 5.5 days of suitable fieldwork this past week, according to the latest Crop Progress and Condition report from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. 

Field activities included harvesting hay, soybeans and corn. Iowa’s corn condition was rated 60% good to excellent, a one percent increase from the previous week. Eighty-seven percent of the corn crop has reached maturity, six days ahead of normal. Corn harvest for grain reached 19% statewide, eight days ahead of the five-year average. Soybean condition was rated 64% good to excellent, a two percent increase from the previous week. Soybeans dropping leaves or beyond reached 92%, eight days ahead of normal. Producers harvested over 20% of Iowa’s soybean crop with the total harvested reaching 40%, 10 days ahead of the five-year average. Pasture condition was rated 27% good to excellent, a two percent drop from last week. Spotty precipitation helped keep some pastures green for cattle to continue grazing but water for livestock continues to be an issue. Moisture content of field corn being harvested for grain fell to 20%.