The latest USDA Crop Progress Report shows that rainfall across the region limited producers to 3.9 days suitable for fieldwork. Wet conditions throughout the week complicated operations.
Corn development continues across the Northwest District, with 33 percent of the crop silking. However, progression into the dough stage remains minimal. Statewide corn condition ratings indicate stability, with 85 percent categorized as good to excellent.
Soybeans in the region are blooming ahead of pace, with 63 percent of acres in bloom and 18 percent setting pods—consistent with statewide trends. The overall health of soybean stands also remains favorable, with 79 percent rated good to excellent across Iowa.
Soil moisture levels remain strong, mitigating any immediate drought concerns. In NW Iowa, topsoil is rated 95 percent adequate to surplus, and subsoil stands at 89 percent in those same categories. Very short moisture ratings are insignificant. In summary, while weather patterns continue to present logistical challenges, crop conditions and soil moisture levels suggest a resilient outlook for the season.
The full report is available at the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service website.
