With the month of April comes the return of the weekly Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Naig, commented on the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service’s report, offering some words of caution. “With recent warm and dry conditions across the state, many farmers are eager to begin field work with an eye towards planting,” Naig says. “Farmers should be cautious though as cold snaps and a late spring freeze are possible through the end of April. Chances of rain are also back in the forecast.” That warm, dry weather allowed farmers 4.3 days suitable for fieldwork in the week ending April 4. Activities included application of anhydrous and fertilizer as well as spreading of manure and planting oats. The full report can be found at nass.usda.gov.
