Much needed rainfall across Iowa in the last week resulted in farmers having 4.7 days suitable for field work, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. The latest Crop Progress Report still lists cutting hay and harvesting oats as the majority of field activities, with some reports received of farmers starting to apply fungicides.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 8 percent very short, 35 percent short, 55 percent adequate, and 2 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 15 percent very short, 40 percent short, 43 percent adequate, and 2 percent surplus.

Corn silking reached 49 percent this week, five days ahead of last year and two days ahead of normal. Eight percent of the corn crop has reached the dough stage, eight days ahead of last year and six days ahead of the five-year average. Corn condition improved to 64 percent good to excellent. Sixty-eight percent of soybeans were blooming, one week ahead of last year and five days ahead of the average. Soybeans setting pods reached 17 percent, three days ahead of last year but equal to the five-year average. Soybean condition rose as well to 58 percent good-to excellent. Eighty six percent of oats were turning color, 11 days ahead of last year and six days ahead of normal. Oats harvested for grain reached 13 percent, one day behind the five year average. Oat condition rated 51 percent good to excellent.

The State’s second cutting of alfalfa hay reached 74 percent complete, one week ahead of last year and six days ahead of the average. Reports were received of farmers working on their third cutting of hay. Hay condition improved to 41 percent good to excellent. Pasture condition rose to 30 percent good to excellent. Recent precipitation has helped to improve hay and pasture conditions, although growth remains slow and below average.