Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report

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.

“Much of Iowa enjoyed a stretch of nearly ideal weather this week. The warmer temperatures paired with drier conditions allowed farmers to keep the planters rolling and we saw a big leap in planting progress over the past seven days,” said Secretary Naig. “Looking ahead to next week, there are increased chances of rain and cooler temperatures in the forecast. Farmers will keep an eye on the sky and continue with planting and other field work as conditions allow.”

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

Crop Report
A warm and dry week made for excellent planting conditions, allowing 6.4 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending May 11, 2025, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Producers made quick progress planting corn and soybeans. Conditions were also favorable for spraying.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 5 percent very short, 22 percent short, 70 percent adequate and 3 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 5 percent very short, 24 percent short, 67 percent adequate and 4 percent surplus.

Corn planted reached 76 percent 8 days ahead of last year and 3 days ahead of the 5-year average. Corn emerged reached 30 percent, 4 days ahead of last year’s pace and 2 days ahead of normal. Sixty-four percent of the expected soybean crop has been planted, 10 days ahead of last year and 5 days ahead of the 5-year average. Soybeans emerged reached 16 percent. Nearly all of the oat crop has been planted, with 74 percent emerged, 3 days behind last year but 2 days ahead of normal. Reports of oats starting to head were received. Oat condition rated 85 percent good to excellent, up 6 percentage points from last week.