(Radio Iowa) – The latest U-S-D-A report on Iowa crop conditions indicates corn and soybean fields have responded well to recent rain, but more moisture is needed. Last week hail and high winds did damage some Iowa crops last week, but the damage was scattered and not widespread according the U-S-D-A. Under half of Iowa pastures are rated good to excellent and some farmers are feeding their livestock hay to supplement dwindling grazing opportunities.

Topsoil moisture levels are now rated adequate or surplus in 67 percent of the state. The growth of corn and soybeans are ahead of the five-year average, with corn conditions rated 68 percent good to excellent. Soybean condition are rated 66 percent good to excellent.

The U-S-D-A reports hay production is behind normal and the second cutting of alfalfa hay is 63 percent complete statewide. The oat harvest has started in about quarter of the state. Last year Iowa farmers harvested five-point-six MILLION bushels of oats.