According to the latest Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), favorable weather conditions last week allowed Iowa farmers to make substantial planting progress. For the week ending May 11, Iowa farmers averaged 6.4 days suitable for fieldwork. Corn planting reached 76 percent, eight days ahead of last year and three days ahead of the five-year average. Soybean planting hit 64 percent, 10 days ahead of last year and five days ahead of average. Corn emergence reached 30 percent, while soybean emergence was estimated at 16 percent. Nearly all oat seeding is complete, and 74 percent of the crop has emerged. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says, “Much of Iowa enjoyed a stretch of nearly ideal weather this week. The warmer temperatures paired with drier conditions allowed farmers to keep the planters rolling, and we saw a big leap in planting progress over the past seven days. Looking ahead to next week, there are increased chances of rain and cooler temperatures in the forecast. Farmers will keep an eye on the sky and continue with planting and other field work as conditions allow.” Topsoil moisture conditions measured 27 percent short to very short, 70 percent adequate, and three percent surplus. Subsoil moisture rated 29 percent short to very short, 67 percent adequate, and four percent surplus. Check out the complete Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report for the week online at www.nass.usda.gov.
