The first Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in nearly six weeks shows that the season’s harvest has functionally ended. For the week ending Nov. 23, farmers had 5.2 days suitable for fieldwork, including post-harvest fertilizer and manure applications and fall tillage. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says, “Iowa farmers once again delivered a significant corn and soybean crop in 2025, even with challenges like variable weather, disease pressures, and an ag economy marked by low prices and high input costs. Strong production requires strong markets, and we will continue working to build and diversify demand at home, across the country, and around the world.” The report shows that less than one percent of Iowa row crops remain in the field. Topsoil moisture conditions rated 31 percent short to very short, 67 percent adequate, and two percent surplus, while subsoil rated 31 percent short to very short, 66 percent adequate, and three percent surplus. Statewide precipitation averaged just 0.20 inches, less than half of the 0.43-inch normal. Unseasonably warm temperatures also persisted at 59 degrees Fahrenheit (F), 12 degrees above normal. The complete Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report for the week is available online at nass.usda.gov.
