More than 80 percent of the expected corn crop has now been planted despite unfavorable conditions last week, according to the latest USDA Iowa Crop Progress and Condition report. For the week ending Sunday, May 14, farmers had an average of only 3.6 days suitable for fieldwork. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says, “We had unseasonably warm and wet conditions last week across most of the state as several rounds of severe weather brought measurable rain, hail, high winds, and reports of 11 weak tornadoes. Farmers should have a window of opportunity in the coming week to make more planting progress, as forecasts indicate drier conditions and more seasonal temperatures.” Corn planting advanced to 86 percent complete, eight days ahead of last year and a week ahead of the five-year average. An estimated 35 percent of the crop has emerged, six days ahead of last year and two days ahead of average. Around 69 percent of the soybean crop is now in the ground, seven days ahead of last year and the five-year average. Soybean emergence is estimated at 19 percent, nine days ahead of last year and five days ahead of normal. Topsoil moisture conditions rated three percent very short, 14 percent short, 76 percent adequate, and seven percent surplus. Subsoil moisture conditions rated six percent very short, 23 percent short, 68 percent adequate, and three percent surplus. The complete Iowa Crop Progress and Condition report is available online at www.nass.usda.gov.
