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Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report - Sept. 14-20, 2026

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.

“An extremely soggy week across much of Iowa made it difficult for farmers to get much fieldwork done, with heavy rainfall leading to flooding in some areas,” said Secretary Naig. “We’re hopeful for a few dry days ahead, but more rain is in the forecast. Conditions are good for flying on cover crops, and the moisture can help get them germinated and growing. When fields finally firm up, Iowa farmers will get combines rolling and harvest will be fully underway.” 

Crop Report

There were 1.7 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending Sept. 20, 2026. This 3.2 days less than last year, when there were 4.9 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture condition rated 4 percent short, 68 percent adequate, and 28 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 2 percent very short, 11 percent short, 69 percent adequate, and 18 percent surplus. Nine-five percent of corn reached the dent stage, which is 1 percentage point ahead of last year. Fifty-six percent of corn has reached maturity, which is 7 percentage points behind last year. Four percent of corn has been harvested, which is 3 percentage points behind last year. Corn condition rated 76 percent good to excellent. Forty-six percent of soybeans are dropping leaves, which is 12 percentage points behind last year. Two percent of soybeans have been harvested, which is 2 percentage points behind last year. Soybean condition rated 75 percent good to excellent. Pasture condition rated 70 percent good to excellent.

Source : iowaagriculture.gov

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Midwest Weather Shock: Flash Drought Turns Into Heavy Rain Threat This Week (2026 Forecast)

Video: Midwest Weather Shock: Flash Drought Turns Into Heavy Rain Threat This Week (2026 Forecast)

A rapidly changing Midwest weather pattern is unfolding in 2026 as areas that recently slipped into abnormal dryness and flash drought conditions are now facing the threat of heavy rain and repeated storm systems.

After a wet spring erased early drought conditions, regions across Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and northern Missouri have quickly dried out again since mid-to-late May. Soil moisture is dropping fast, and crops like corn and soybeans are beginning to feel the stress of rising temperatures and lack of consistent rainfall. Now, weather models show a major shift.

A developing system moving in from the Northern Plains is expected to bring multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms, with the potential for locally heavy rainfall across the Midwest. While some areas may miss out, others could finally see much-needed relief from the growing dryness. In this video, we break down:

Current drought conditions across the Midwest

Why a flash drought is developing quickly

Timing and path of incoming storm systems

Which states are most likely to see heavy rain

How long this wet pattern could last

Will this rain end the drought or create new flooding risks? Watch the full forecast to find out.