According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, widespread rain across the State resulted in 5.2 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending August 21st. Fieldwork included harvesting corn for silage, cutting hay, and applying pesticides.

Corn silking or beyond was 97 percent, with 84 percent of the corn crop in dough stage or beyond, five days behind last year but two days ahead of the five-year average. Thirty percent of Iowa’s corn crop has reached the dent stage, five days behind last year and one day behind average. Some of the corn crops have started to mature at one percent. Corn condition remained 66 percent good to excellent. Ninety-seven percent of soybeans were blooming, with 88 percent of the soybean crop setting pods, eight days behind last year and two days behind the five-year average. Two percent of the soybeans were turning color. Iowa’s soybean condition was 62 percent good to excellent. 

Fifty-three percent of the State’s third cutting of alfalfa hay was complete. All hay conditions rose slightly to 48 percent good to excellent. Pasture condition rated 33 percent good to excellent. Grasshoppers are a concern in some areas.