Despite frequent precipitation hindering fieldwork to only 2.3 suitable days across Iowa during the week ending Aug. 31, above-average temperatures aided crop development, according to the Sept. 2 Iowa Crop & Weather report.

"The above-average temperatures and frequent rains continued this week," said Iowa Agriculture Secretary Bill Northey.

"Although we could use a break from the rain in some parts of the state, the crop remains in very good condition, with 76 percent of corn and 73 percent of beans in good to excellent condition."

State Meteorologist Harry Hillaker said warm and humid air dominated the state most of the week, with the warmest air on Aug. 24-25, when temperatures reached into the 90s in many areas of the state.

The report said more than 90 percent of Iowa corn was in the dough stage or beyond, with 53 percent reaching the dent stage. Ninety-six percent of soybeans set pods or beyond, with soybean leaves turning color, and the third cutting of alfalfa hay was 53 percent complete.

Clarke McGrath, Iowa State University extension field agronomist, said western and southwestern Iowa look pretty good – especially considering what the crops have been through this year with the cold, wet start, excess rainfall and below-average heat units.

"Almost every field has areas that show the impact of the rough start and continued wet weather we’ve had, but when I look big picture, I am impressed at what I see," he said. "We are a ways from being in the end zone, but if we can finish with some good weather – warmer than average and dodge further storms – there is potential for a lot of corn out there."