Farmers have put in some long hours, making headway in getting crops in the field. According to Monday’s Iowa Crop and Progress Condition Report, the USDA National Agricultural Statistical Service is reporting that about 40 percent of the corn crop is now planted and 11 percent of soybean acres are in. “This puts corn planting just three days behind normal and soybeans on pace with the five-year average,” says Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Naig. “Unfortunately,” he adds, “north central Iowa remains well behind average with just nine percent of corn and no soybeans planted yet due to wet conditions.” Two percent of the corn crop has emerged., and soybean growers are two days ahead of last year. Seventy-seven percent of the expected oat crop has been planted, nine days behind last year and one week behind average. Thirty-two percent of the crop has emerged, which is 11 days behind last year.
