In the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report for the week ending July 2, much needed rain in the southern third of the state led to 5.1 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Field activities for the week included cutting hay and spraying crops, with some reports of farmers getting equipment ready to start the oat harvest soon.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 17 percent very short, 38 percent short, 44 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 21 percent very short, 40 percent short, 38 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus.

Reports of corn starting to silk were received, hitting 4 percent this week. Corn condition rating improved to 61 percent good to excellent. Twenty-five percent of soybeans were blooming, five days ahead of last year, and two days ahead of the five-year average. There were also reports of soybeans starting to set pods. Soybean condition rose to 53 percent good to excellent. Forty-three percent of oats were turning color, one week ahead of last year and five days ahead of normal. Oat condition increased to 50 percent good to excellent.

The State’s second cutting of alfalfa hay reached 35 percent complete, eight days ahead of last year and six days ahead of the average. Hay condition improved slightly to 33 percent good to excellent. Pasture condition rated 24 percent good to excellent. Livestock producers continued to supplement with hay as pasture conditions remained comparable to the previous week.