The State experienced hot conditions and scattered rain this past week. Iowa farmers averaged 5.3 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending September 1st, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Activities included preparing for the fall harvest and hay cutting.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 2 percent very short, 20 percent short, 76 percent adequate and 2 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 3 percent very short, 19 percent short, 75 percent adequate and 3 percent surplus.

Corn in the dough stage or beyond reached 94 percent this week. Sixty-one percent of the corn crop reached the dent stage, 5 days behind last year and 1 day behind the five-year average. Corn mature reached 10 percent, 2 days behind last year but 1 day ahead of the five-year average. Corn condition rated 77 percent good to excellent. Soybeans setting pods reached 95 percent. Soybeans coloring reached 18 percent, 4 days behind last year and 2 days behind the five-year average. Soybean dropping leaves began at 2 percent. Soybean condition was 77 percent good to excellent.

The State’s third cutting of alfalfa hay reached 88 percent, 1 week behind last year but 1 week ahead of the five-year average. Pasture conditions rated 64 percent good to excellent.