Wet and unseasonably cool weather slowed Iowa fieldwork last week, but farmers welcomed the rain as a boost to early crop development, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) weekly Crop Progress and Condition Report. Farmers had only 3.8 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending May 25, which included scattered planting and replanting. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says, “Last week’s cool and soggy conditions sidelined many farmers who were looking to finish planting or complete other fieldwork. Despite the delays, most farmers are grateful to receive the rain as we recharge our soils and give the crops a strong early season boost. We expect a less active weather pattern with warmer temperatures and spotty rain in the week ahead.” Corn planting reached 95 percent with 76 percent emergence, six days ahead of last year and two days ahead of normal. Corn conditions were rated 83 percent good to excellent. Soybean planting reached 92 percent, with 60 percent of the crop emerging, two weeks ahead of last year and eight days ahead of average. Soybean conditions rated 80 percent good to excellent. Topsoil moisture rated 19 percent short to very short, 76 percent adequate, and five percent surplus, while subsoil rated 28 percent short to very short, 67 percent adequate, and five percent surplus. The statewide average temperature for the week was 55 degrees Fahrenheit, 8.1 degrees below normal. Find the complete Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report online at www.nass.usda.gov.
USDA: Cool, Wet Week Slows Fieldwork But Improves Soil Moisture
