Planting is nearly complete, and most Iowa corn and soybean crops have emerged, according to the latest Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Iowa farmers had 5.4 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending June 1, which included planting, hay cutting, and spraying. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says, “Planting is nearly complete across the state, and most of the corn and soybeans have emerged. Many farmers are now turning their attention to applying crop protection products and baling hay. While haze from Canadian wildfires has hung around the last few days, it’s expected to clear by mid-week. The forecast shows much of the state could receive some welcome rain in the week ahead.” Corn planting reached 97 percent complete, with 87 percent emerged, six days ahead of last year and one day ahead of average. Corn conditions were rated 84 percent good to excellent. Soybeans were 96 percent planted, and 79 percent emerged, 10 days ahead of last year and four days ahead of normal. Soybeans rated 81 percent good to excellent. Topsoil moisture was rated 28 percent short to very short, 70 percent adequate, and two percent surplus, while subsoil moisture conditions were similar at 32 percent short to very short, 65 percent adequate, and three percent surplus. The week’s statewide average temperature was 62.2 degrees, slightly below normal. Find the full report online at www.nass.usda.gov.
