Planting surged ahead last week, despite severe storms that brought hail, high winds, and tornadoes to parts of the state. According to the latest Iowa Crop Progress and Condition report released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service, Iowa farmers had 6.1 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending May 17. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig, “Despite the weather challenges over the weekend, the rainfall was beneficial for many farmers, providing a timely boost to recently planted corn and soybeans. Forecasts for the remainder of the week call for a return to milder and drier conditions, which should allow farmers to resume fieldwork.” Corn planting reached 88 percent complete statewide, one point behind last year but six percentage points ahead of the five-year average. About 46 percent of the corn crop has emerged, eight points behind 2025’s pace but three points ahead of average. Soybean planting reached 80 percent, only one point behind last year and 12 percent ahead of the five-year average. An estimated 28 percent of soybeans have emerged, 10 points behind last year and three points ahead of average. Oat planting is nearly finished at 97 percent, with 87 percent of the crop having emerged. Topsoil moisture conditions measured 31 percent short to very short, 64 percent adequate, and five percent surplus. Subsoil was 27 percent short to very short, 69 percent adequate, and four percent surplus. The statewide average temperature for the week was 63.8 degrees Fahrenheit, about 4.6 degrees above normal. Check the full report online at www.nass.usda.gov.
