In the latest Crop Progress and Condition Report, Iowa farmers were left with 6 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending June 25, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Field activities included cutting hay and spraying crops. Persistent dryness has led to many reports of visible crop stress, however north central and northeast Iowa received some much-needed rain.

Topsoil Moisture condition rated 22 percent very short, 45 percent short, 32 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture rated 24 percent very short, 44 percent short, 31 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus.

Some reports of corn starting to silk were received this week. Corn condition continued to decline, rating 56 percent good to excellent. Ten percent of soybeans were blooming, six days ahead of last year and two days ahead of the five-year average. Soybean condition dropped to 48 percent good to excellent. Ninety-five percent of the oat crop has headed, roughly two weeks ahead of last year and the average. Twenty-five percent of oats were turning color, roughly one week ahead of last year and normal. Oat condition declined to 47 percent good to excellent.

The State’s first cutting of alfalfa hay is virtually complete, and the second cutting reached 18 percent complete, six days ahead of both last year and the average. Hay condition declined to 32 percent good to excellent. Pasture condition rated just 23 percent good to excellent. Livestock producers continued to supplement with hay as pasture conditions deteriorated and reports were received about water supply concerns as some ponds and creeks continued to dry out.