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.

“My thoughts are with all those who experienced storm damage from the hail, high winds, and tornadoes that moved through over the weekend. Forecasts show another round of severe weather is possible tonight, and then many farms and communities will continue the difficult work of recovery and clean up,” said Secretary Naig. “Despite the weather challenges over the weekend, the rainfall was beneficial for many farmers, providing a timely boost to recently planted corn and soybeans. Forecasts for the remainder of the week call for a return to milder and drier conditions, which should allow farmers to resume fieldwork.”

Crop Report

There were 6.1 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending May 17, 2026. Topsoil moisture condition rated 5 percent very short, 26 percent short, 64 percent adequate, and 5 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 4 percent very short, 23 percent short, 69 percent adequate, and 4 percent surplus. Corn planting reached 88 percent complete, which is one percentage point behind last year and six percentage points ahead of the five-year average. Forty-six percent of corn had emerged, which is eight percentage points behind last year’s pace and three percentage points ahead of the five-year average. Eighty percent of the expected soybeans have been planted, which is one percentage point behind last year and 12 percentage points ahead of the five-year average. Soybean emergence reached 28 percent, which is 10 percentage points behind last year and three percentage points ahead of the five-year average. Oats planting in Iowa reached 97 percent complete and 87 percent of oats have emerged. Pasture condition rated 73 percent good to excellent.

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