According to the latest crop report from the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service, Iowa farmers had 4.8 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending August 18th. Those activities included cutting and bailing hay and preparing for harvest.

Topsoil moisture was rated 4% surplus, 77% adequate, 17% short and 2% very short. Subsoil moisture was characterized as 4% surplus, 77% adequate, 16% short and 3% very short.

82% of corn reached the dough stage or beyond this week, three days behind last year, but two days ahead of the five-year average. Just over a quarter of the crop has reached the dent stage, three days behind last year, but one day ahead of the five-year average. Corn condition was rated 77% good to excellent. Soybean bloom is at 96% with 83% setting pods, one week behind last year and three days behind average. Soybean condition is 77% good to excellent. The oat crop is 96% harvested.

The state’s third alfalfa cutting is 63% complete, one week behind last year, but four days ahead of the average. Hay condition is 79% good to excellent, pasture condition is 72% good to excellent.