In the latest Crop Progress Report from the Department of Agriculture, Iowa farmers were left with an average of 3.9 days suitable for fieldwork in the last week. Heavy rains and flooding throughout much of the State limited field activities.

Topsoil moisture condition rated one percent very short, seven percent short, 76 percent adequate, and 16 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated one percent very short, 10 percent short, 75 percent adequate, and 14 percent surplus.

Corn silking began and reached four percent, one day ahead of last year and four days ahead of the five-year average. Corn condition fell four percentage points in the last week to 73 percent good to excellent. Soybeans blooming reached 19 percent, one day behind last year but two days ahead of average. The condition of the soybean crop was 72 percent good to excellent. Ninety-three percent of the oat crop has headed, while oats turning color reached 43 percent, six days ahead of the average. Much like soybeans, oat condition rated 72 percent good to excellent.

The State’s second cutting of alfalfa hay reached 17 percent complete, on pace with the five-year average. Hay condition rated 78 percent good to excellent. Pasture condition rated 73 percent good to excellent as many lots remain muddy.