In the latest Crop Progress Report from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, hot and humid weather with well below normal precipitation left farmers with 6.5 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending August 27. Field activities included cutting and baling hay, along with harvesting oats. Persistent dry weather has put continued stress on crops, especially soybeans with multiple reports of disease entering fields.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 23 percent very short, 45 percent short, 31 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 28 percent very short, 45 percent short, 26 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus.

Corn in or beyond the dough stage reached 96 percent this week, eight days ahead of last year and 11 days ahead of the five-year average. Sixty-two percent of the corn crop was dented or beyond, five days ahead of last year and four days ahead of normal. Six percent of the State’s corn crop has reached maturity. Corn condition declined six percentage points to 54 percent good to excellent. Soybeans setting pods reached 97 percent, one week ahead of last year and nine days ahead of the average. Soybeans turning color was 15 percent, two days ahead of normal. Reports of soybeans dropping their leaves were received this week. Soybean condition dropped six percentage points to 53 percent good to excellent. Oats harvested for grain are nearly complete.

Iowa’s third cutting of alfalfa hay reached 90 percent complete, 18 days ahead of last year and 17 days ahead of the average. Pasture condition rated 23 percent good to excellent. The hot and humid weather severely stressed livestock across the State this week, with several reports of death loss.