Iowa’s farmers are chomping at the bit, finally seeing weather that is conducive to getting into the field and prepping the land for planting. Monday’s USDA Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report highlighted last week as another one that was colder and wetter than normal. There was significant snowfall once again occurring in locations across the state, putting producers well behind the five-year average of 11 percent of corn planted by April 22. “Starting late last week, seasonal weather started to allow some farmers in southern Iowa to begin spring field work and do some planting. Hopefully, we will continue to see warmer temperatures and dryer weather so farmers across the state can get in the fields and start spring planting,” says Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Naig. Statewide, last week produced only 1.5 days suitable for fieldwork, with some farmers able to apply anhydrous and dry fertilizer, seed oats and a scattering of corn planting. Twenty three percent of the expected oat crop has been planted, almost two weeks behind last year and the five-year average. Only one percent of that crop is reported as emerged. The full report can be seen by following the link included below.
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Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report: www.IowaAgriculture.gov
