In the latest Crop Progress Report from the Department of Agriculture, heavy rains in south central and northeast Iowa left farmers with an average of 3.5 days suitable for fieldwork. Continued precipitation left some concerns about getting hay put up and spraying for weeds.

Topsoil moisture condition rated zero percent very short, four percent short, 77 percent adequate, and 19 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated zero percent very short, six percent short, 77 percent adequate, and 17 percent surplus.

Corn silking reached 17 percent, equal to last year but four days ahead of the five-year average. Corn condition was 76 percent good to excellent. Soybean crop blooming reached 32 percent, two days behind last year but equal to the average. Soybeans setting pods reached five percent. Soybean condition rated 76 percent good to excellent. Oat crop headed or beyond reached 95 percent. Oats turning color reached 63 percent, five days ahead of the average. Oats harvested for grain were eight percent complete, six days ahead of the average. Oat condition rated 79 percent good to excellent.

Iowa’s second cutting of alfalfa hay reached 34 percent complete. Hay condition rated 81 percent good to excellent. Pasture condition rated 73 percent good to excellent. Feedlot conditions remain muddy due to excess rain and flooding.