DES MOINES — Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented on the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The report is released weekly April through November. Additionally, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship provides a weather summary each week during this time.

“Last week brought widespread rainfall across much of Iowa, including several rounds of thunderstorms and a derecho that developed in eastern Iowa before continuing across parts of the eastern Corn Belt,” said Secretary Naig. “Pleasant weather over the weekend brought out some great crowds for the Iowa State Fair. While there are some lingering chances for storms this week, fairgoers can expect plenty of sunshine and seasonal temperatures.”

Crop Report

There were 3.3 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending Aug. 16, 2026. This is 1.8 days less than last year, when there were 5.1 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture condition rated 4 percent very short, 15 percent short, 64 percent adequate, and 17 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 5 percent very short, 21 percent short, 63 percent adequate, and 11 percent surplus. Corn silking reached 99 percent, which is 1 percentage point ahead of last year. Eighty-three percent of Iowa’s corn crop has reached the dough stage, which is 6 percentage points ahead of last year. Twenty-six percent of corn reached the dent stage, which is 1 percentage point ahead of last year. Corn condition rated 78 percent good to excellent. Soybeans blooming reached 96 percent, which is on par with last year. Eighty-two percent of soybeans are setting pods, which is the same as last year. Soybean condition rated 78 percent good to excellent. Ninety-six percent of oats have been harvested, which is 6 percentage points ahead of last year. Pasture condition rated 67 percent good to excellent.

The weekly report is also available on the USDA’s website at https://www.nass.usda.gov/.