Iowa farmers made significant progress in the fields in a week marked by severe weather and tornadoes. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report, farmers had 4.2 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending April 28, and producers took advantage of that time. The week began with dry weather that allowed planters to roll, but the week ended with severe storms that spawned nearly two dozen tornadoes alongside much-needed rain. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says, “Our hearts go out to the Iowans and communities that suffered damage caused by the severe weather over the weekend. As they begin a long process of recovering and rebuilding, the outpouring of support from fellow Iowans is a reminder of how truly special our state and its people are. The widespread weekend rain will likely pause some planting progress, but with an active weather pattern continuing as we head into May, farmers will be eager to get back in the field when conditions are right.” Corn planted reached 39 percent complete, four days ahead of last year and three days ahead of the five-year average. An estimated two percent of the corn crop has emerged. Twenty-five percent of the expected soybean crop is now in the ground, four days ahead of last year and five days ahead of average. Topsoil moisture conditions rated just 22 percent short to very short, 68 percent adequate, and 10 percent surplus. Subsoil conditions measured 41 percent short to very short, 53 percent adequate, and six percent surplus. The complete report is available online at www.nass.usda.gov.
