Warm, dry weather helped Iowa farmers make strong harvest progress last week, according to the latest Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Farmers had an average of 6.2 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending Sept. 28, which was focused on bringing in the 2025 crop. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says, “Combines are rolling all across Iowa. The warm and dry weather is allowing farmers to make good progress on corn and soybean harvest. With the favorable weather expected to hold through next week, farmers should be able to continue making harvest headway, though conditions may be a bit dusty. As we get a little further into the start of October, outlooks are indicating a possible shift back to more chances of widespread rain.” Nearly all of the corn crop was dented or beyond, and 80 percent of corn had matured, four days ahead of last year but a day behind the average. The corn harvest reached 15 percent complete, pacing four days ahead of last year and three days ahead of the five-year average. Moisture content for harvested corn was 20 percent, and conditions rated 71 percent good to excellent. Ninety-five percent of soybeans were coloring, and 83 percent were dropping leaves, a few days ahead of normal. Soybean harvest reached 17 percent complete, three days behind last year and the average. Soybeans were rated 73 percent good to excellent. Topsoil moisture conditions measured 27 percent short to very short, 65 percent adequate, and eight percent surplus, while subsoil conditions were 23 percent short to very short, 70 percent adequate, and seven percent surplus. The complete report is available with this story on our website or online at nass.usda.gov.
