In the latest Crop Progress and Condition Report from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, above average rainfall in central and southeast Iowa limited the days suitable for fieldwork to 4.7 during the week ending August 13. Field activities included cutting and baling hay, as well as harvesting oats. The continued precipitation has helped alleviate further crop stress, although conditions remain relatively dry.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 13 percent very short, 34 percent short, 51 percent adequate and 2 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 20 percent very short, 43 percent short, 36 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus.

Corn in the dough stage reached 78 percent this week, five days ahead of both last year and the five-year average. Twenty-three percent of the corn crop was dented, five days ahead of last year and three days ahead of normal. Corn condition rated 58 percent good to excellent. Soybeans setting pods reached 87 percent, one week ahead of last year and six days ahead of the average. Some reports of soybeans turning color were received this week. Soybean condition improved to 58 percent good to excellent. Oats harvested for grain reached 95 percent.

Iowa’s third cutting of alfalfa hay reached 68 percent complete, 17 days ahead of last year and 13 days ahead of the average. Pasture conditions improved slightly to 24 percent good to excellent. Livestock producers have continued to supplement with hay in the prolonged dry conditions, but overall livestock conditions have been decent with lower-than-average temperatures this week.