According to the latest U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report, it is full steam ahead in Iowa this week as producers look to take advantage of the expected warm weather. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Naig, says, “A noticeable shift in the cool and wet weather pattern appears to have given farmers a much-needed window for planting this week. In the days ahead, unseasonably hot temperatures and isolated chances of thunderstorms should allow farmers to make good progress.” For the week ending May 8, only 14 percent of the expected corn crop is planted, more than two weeks behind last year and the five-year average. Seven percent of the soybean crop is in the ground, 12 days behind last year and 11 days behind the five-year norm. Progress continues for oat producers as more than 70 percent of their crop is planted, 17 days behind last year and 11 days behind the five-year average. Just 10 percent of the state’s topsoil was rated short or very short of moisture, and 23 percent of the subsoil received the same rating. Fifty-eight percent of hay ratings were reported as good to excellent in the first figures of the season. The full report can be found at www.nass.usda.gov.
