Crops statewide continue to mature ahead of average pace, according to the latest Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Farmers had an average of 4.7 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending Aug. 13, with field activities including cutting and baling hay and harvesting oats. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says, “Seasonal temperatures and generally dry conditions accompanied Iowa State Fairgoers as they enjoyed the first few days of their favorite fair activities and foods. Forecasts are indicating warmer and drier conditions for the rest of the fair, which is also favorable for Iowa farmers looking to bale hay, chop silage and prepare to seed cover crops.” Corn conditions rated 58 percent good to excellent as 78 percent of the crop reached the dough stage, five days ahead of last year and the five-year average. Twenty-three percent of the corn crop was dented, five days ahead of last year and three days ahead of normal. Soybean conditions also rated 58 percent good to excellent. Soybeans setting pods reached 87 percent, a week ahead of 2022’s crop and six days ahead of average. Topsoil moisture conditions rated 47 percent short to very short, 51 percent adequate, and two percent surplus. Subsoil moisture conditions rated 63 percent short to very short, 36 percent adequate, and one percent surplus. The complete USDA Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report is found by visiting www.nass.usda.gov.
