After a slow start to the planting season, Iowa farmers are well on their way to having most, if not all, of their 2022 crop in the ground. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report for the week ending May 22, limited rainfall and slightly above average temperatures allowed for 5.4 days suitable for fieldwork, focusing on continued planting and spraying. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says, “With near-normal conditions across Iowa last week, farmers continued to make strong planting progress while dodging scattered showers and thunderstorms. Given this favorable weather pattern, corn planting is nearing completion” As of Monday, 86 percent of the expected corn crop has been planted, 13 days behind last year and just three days behind the five-year average. Just under half of the planted corn has emerged. As for soybeans, 69 percent of the expected crop is in the ground, 12 days behind last year but only one day behind the five-year average. An estimated 18 percent of the soybean crop has emerged. In other areas, nearly all of the 2022 oat crop is planted, with the first ratings of the year showing 75 percent falling into the good to excellent categories. The full report can be found by visiting www.nass.usda.gov.