What’s Happening With Iowa Crops?

USDA published the latest Crop Progress report on Monday, Aug. 25. Here’s a closer look at recent weather and the status of Indiana’s most important crops in late-August.

Weather

Jared Goplen, agronomy manager for Wyffels Hybrids, reported, “The past week has finally started to dry out throughout my area. There were some showers earlier in the week but by Friday a cool front has moved in (without wildfire smoke!), which has brought with it good sunshine and cool temps.”

In Monday’s Crop Progress report, USDA said farmers had 5.6. days suitable for fieldwork the week that ended Aug. 24, compared to 6.4 days this time last year.

USDA rated Iowa topsoil moisture 1% very short, 5% short, 74% adequate, and 20% surplus. Subsoil moisture conditions in the state were rated 1% very short, 5% short, 77% adequate, and 8% surplus.

Corn

Acreage Estimates

According to the June 30 Acreage report, Iowa farmers planted 13.5 million acres of corn in 2025. This is up from 12.9 million acres from the previous year.

Pest and Disease Pressure

Disease pressure has been the story of the year, according to Goplen, especially southern rust. Southern rust has moved in fairly aggressively in some cases. 

He said, “Fields that didn’t have a fungicide applied at all or fields that were sprayed on the early side are seeing southern rust expand the most. It has become established into the mid- and upper canopies, which is concerning as this is where most of the photosynthesis for grain fill comes from. The cooler and drier forecast should slow down disease progression and hopefully allow the corn to finish out grainfill without losing the upper canopy to disease.”

Tar spot has also challenged Iowa corn this season. A map published by the Crop Protection Network shows 41 counties have confirmed the disease this year.

Eric Wilson, agronomy manager for Wyffels Hybrids, reported that disease has pushed the crop very quickly. He says many fields that were left unsprayed will black-layer prematurely. 

Corn Dough

The latest Crop Progress report said 88% of Iowa’s corn crop has reached the dough stage. The five-year average is 91%. Last year at this time 89% of the state’s corn had reached the dough stage.

Corn Dented

USDA said 45% of Iowa’s corn crop has reached the dent stage, in line with the five-year average of 48%. Last year at this time 43% of the state’s corn had reached the dent stage.

Corn Mature

The latest Crop Progress report said 3% of Iowa’s corn crop has reached maturity. The five-year average is 3%. Last year at this time 4% of the state’s corn had reached maturity.

Corn Condition

USDA rated Iowa corn 1% very poor, 2% poor, 13% fair, 56% good, and 28% excellent for the week that ended Aug. 24.

The 18-state average rating is 2% very poor, 6% poor, 21% fair, 51% good, and 20% excellent.

Soybeans

Acreage Estimates

The Acreage report published June 30 said Iowa planted 9.5 million acres of soybeans this year. That is down from 10.05 million acres in 2024.

Pest and Disease Pressure

Goplen said, “Soybeans in general have looked pretty good until disease has started to walk some fields backwards. There have been a lot of spots showing up throughout my geography. I suspect Sudden Death Syndrome to be the culprit in many of these spots to date, but know that the pockets of white mold are starting to get the point where they become much more visible as well.” 

He said plentiful soil moisture should lead to enough water to finish soybean grain fill, but warned that it may be a race between grain fill and disease pressure. 

Soybeans Setting Pods

The latest Crop Progress report said 90% of Iowa soybeans are setting pods. The five-year average is 93%, and progress was 89% this time last year. 

Soybean Condition

USDA rated Iowa soybeans 1% very poor, 3% poor, 17% fair, 59% good, and 20% excellent for the week that ended August 24.

The 18-state average ratings are 2% very poor, 6% poor, 23% fair, 54% good, and 15% excellent over the same time period.

Oats

Acreage Estimates

The USDA Acreage Report said Iowa farmers planted 120,000 acres of winter wheat, down from 145,000 acres from 2024. 

Oats Harvested

The latest Crop Progress report said 97% of Iowa oats have been harvested. The five-year average is 97%, and progress was 98% this time last year. 

Pasture and Range

USDA rated pasture and range conditions in the state 1% very poor, 2% poor, 17% fair, 62% good, and 18% excellent.

The 48-state average is 11% very poor, 21% poor, 31% fair, 28% good, and 9% excellent.