Widespread rainfall slowed planting progress across Iowa last week but provided a much-needed boost to soil moisture levels, according to the latest Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). For the week ending April 27, Iowa farmers had just 2.3 days suitable for fieldwork. Corn planting reached 34 percent, two days ahead of the five-year average, with two percent of the crop already emerged. Soybean planting was 25 percent complete, a day ahead of last year and the five-year average. Oat seeding reached 81 percent completion, while 41 percent of the crop had emerged. As for moisture conditions, topsoil rated 14 percent short to very short, 75 percent adequate, and 11 percent surplus, while subsoil rated 25 percent short to very short, 67 percent adequate, and eight percent surplus. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says, “Widespread rainfall across the state delayed planting last week, but provided much-needed moisture, easing drought conditions across portions of Iowa. Outlooks for the next few weeks show unseasonably warm temperatures and perhaps a break in the wet weather, which would give farmers a window to get in the field.” Weather across the state was active last week, with thunderstorms, hail, and even a brief tornado near Council Bluffs. Cedar Falls reported the highest weekly rainfall at 5.46 inches. The statewide average precipitation was 2.06 inches, more than double the normal 0.93 inches. Read the full report online at nass.usda.gov.
