Timely rains at the end of July helped prevent crop deterioration as the growing season shifts firmly into its second half, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) latest Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report. Farmers had 5.7 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending Aug. 2, 1.9 days more than the same week last year. As we begin August and continue the ramp-up to the Iowa State Fair, the outlook calls for warmer conditions and a better chance of rainfall. The U.S Drought Monitor map for Iowa, dated Aug. 6, shows about two-thirds of the state in excellent condition, but the remaining third is rated abnormally dry to moderate drought, all in western Iowa. Statewide precipitation last week averaged 1.31 inches, about 0.4 inches above normal, while the statewide average temperature was 76.6 degrees Fahrenheit, or 3.6 degrees above normal.