(KIWA Staff Photo)Northwest Iowa (Sioux County Radio) — Northwest Iowa received some of the state’s heaviest rainfall during the final full week of August as warmer-than-normal conditions helped push corn and soybean development.
The weekly Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report says Rock Rapids recorded 1.40 inches of rain from August 24th through August 30th, the highest total reported anywhere in Iowa. Of that amount, 1.30 inches fell during showers and thunderstorms that moved through northwest Iowa on Saturday.
The report’s precipitation map shows much of northwest Iowa received 0.3 to 0.75 inch, with localized areas in or near Lyon and Sioux counties approaching or exceeding one inch.
Despite the heavier totals in the region, statewide rainfall remained limited. Iowa averaged 0.32 inch, compared with a normal weekly total of 0.91 inch.
Northwest Iowa Warmer Than Normal
The report’s temperature map shows most of northwest Iowa averaged two to four degrees warmer than normal. Portions of the far northwestern corner were four to six degrees above normal, making western Iowa the warmest part of the state relative to historical averages.
The region also recorded Iowa’s lowest temperature of the week. Lake Park in Dickinson County dropped to 47 degrees on August 24th, 12 degrees below normal.
Statewide temperatures averaged 70.1 degrees, about 0.8 degree above normal. Conditions were generally seasonal until showers and thunderstorms returned to northwest Iowa Saturday morning.
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig said the expected late‑summer heat, combined with scattered rainfall, should continue to move crops toward maturity as August transitions into September.
Corn and Soybean Conditions Remain Strong
Farmers had 6.1 days suitable for fieldwork, slightly fewer than the same week last year.
Corn development continues to run ahead of 2025:
- 94% of corn has reached the dough stage (3 points ahead).
- 68% has reached the dent stage (8 points ahead).
- 6% has reached maturity (2 points behind).
Corn condition was rated 77% good to excellent.
Soybean progress remains steady:
- 93% of soybeans are setting pods (1 point behind).
- 1% is dropping leaves (2 points behind).
Soybean condition was also rated 77% good to excellent.
Topsoil moisture was rated 67% adequate, 6% surplus, 24% short, and 3% very short. Subsoil moisture received the same combined short and very-short rating of 27%.
The oat harvest reached 98% complete, and Iowa pastures were rated 65% good to excellent.
