Warm, dry conditions helped Iowa farmers make rapid planting progress last week, according to the latest Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Farmers had an average of 6.6 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending May 18, with scattered reports of replanting in some areas. Corn planting reached 91 percent complete, 12 days ahead of last year and four days ahead of the five-year average. Soybeans hit 84 percent, more than two weeks ahead of 2024 and three days ahead of normal. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says, “Iowa farmers made significant progress in the field last week thanks to several consecutive days of warm and windy weather conditions. This week’s forecast calls for cooler temperatures and several chances of rain showers, which may cause farmers to pause field work for a few days. We need the moisture across the state, and the widespread rainfall will give the recently planted corn and soybeans a good boost.” Topsoil moisture was rated 45 percent short to very short, 53 percent adequate, and two percent surplus, while subsoil moisture was 40 percent short to very short, 58 percent adequate, and two percent surplus. Statewide rainfall averaged just 0.05 inches—well below the weekly norm of 1.01 inches. The complete report is available online at nass.usda.gov.
