Although there were colder than normal temperatures last week that delayed planting several days, farmers accelerated their fieldwork as the weekend approached. According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics’ Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report for the week ending Sunday, April 25, there were 5.6 days suitable for fieldwork. Activities across the state included applying anhydrous and dry fertilizer, tilling fields and planting. Despite hesitancy because of cold soil temperatures, 20 percent of Iowa’s corn crop has been planted, one day behind the five-year average. Six percent of the soybean crop is in, which is three days ahead of normal. Eighty-three percent of Iowa’s expected oat crop has been planted, three days ahead of last year and six days ahead of the five-year average. The full report can be found at nass.usda.gov.