In the latest Crop Progress Report from the Iowa Department of Agriculture, some much needed rainfall across the state resulted in 5.6 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending August 6. Field activities included cutting and baling hay, as well as applying pesticides and fungicides. Increased precipitation helped alleviate some crop stress, however most conditions remain dry. 

Topsoil moisture condition rated 18 percent very short, 41 percent short, 40 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 19 percent very short, 47 percent short, 33 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus. 

Corn silking hit 97 percent this week. Fifty-eight percent of the corn crop has reached the dough stage or beyond, three days ahead of last year and the five-year average. Sixteen percent of the corn crop has reached the dent stage, nine days ahead of last year and one week ahead of normal. Corn condition remained steady at 59 percent good to excellent. Ninety-six percent of soybeans were blooming. Soybeans setting pods reached 75 percent, five days ahead of last year and three days ahead of the five-year average. Soybean condition fell 2 percentage points to 53 percent good to excellent. Oats harvested for grain reached 80 percent. 

Iowa’s second cutting of alfalfa hay reached 97 percent complete, one week ahead of last year and eight days ahead of the average. The State’s third cutting of alfalfa hay reached 51 percent complete, two weeks ahead of last year and 12 days ahead of the five-year average. Hay condition rated 36 percent good to excellent. Pasture condition rated just 22 percent good to excellent. Livestock producers continue to supplement with hay due to the prolonged dry conditions.