Iowa farmers had 5.6 days suitable for fieldwork statewide during the week ending August 24th, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. 

The week started with warm temperatures but closed with much cooler weekend weather. Field activities included harvesting oats and hay. 

Corn in the dough stage reached 90% in southeast Iowa. Corn in the dent stage reached 64%, one day ahead of last year, but one day behind the five-year average. Corn condition statewide rated 56% good and 28% excellent. 

Eighty-nine percent of soybeans were setting pods. Soybeans coloring reached 8%. Soybean condition statewide was rated 59% good and 20% excellent. At 97%, almost all Iowa’s oats for grain crops have been harvested. 

The third cutting of alfalfa hay reached 78% complete. Pasture condition rated 80% good to excellent. Reports noted increasing levels of disease in field crops.