Cool and dry conditions last week helped Iowa farmers make significant planting progress for the week ending April 30, according to the latest report from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. On average, producers had 4.8 days suitable for fieldwork, and they took advantage of every available minute. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says, “The cooler and drier conditions allowed many farmers an opportunity to get back into the fields, which led to a jump in both corn and soybean acres planted. The weather outlook suggests warmer temperatures and near-average amounts of rainfall, which should help increase statewide planting activity.” As of Sunday, approximately 29 percent of the state’s expected corn crop has been planted, 11 days ahead of last year but a day behind the five-year average. Soybean planting progressed to 16 percent complete, 11 days ahead of last year and a day ahead of average. Topsoil moisture condition rated five percent very short, 24 percent short, 68 percent adequate, and three percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated eight percent very short, 31 percent short, 58 percent adequate, and three percent surplus. The complete Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report is available online at www.nass.usda.gov.
