There was little progress in spring planting last week as wet conditions kept planters out of the field, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) latest Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report. Farmers had just 1.4 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending May 5. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says, “Farmers are feeling anxious as the multiple rounds of rain produced soggy conditions that have not been fit for planting progress. We need a stretch of sunshine and dry weather so that farmers can get back in the field.” Just 47 percent of the expected corn crop is planted, two days behind last year and the five-year average. An estimated seven percent of the corn crop has emerged, three days ahead of last year and a day ahead the five-year average. Soybean planting is faltering at 30 percent complete, two days behind last year. Four percent of the soybean crop has emerged. Topsoil moisture conditions rated 16 percent short to very short, 65 percent adequate, and 19 percent surplus. Subsoil conditions also improved to 27 percent short to very short, 64 percent adequate, and nine percent surplus. Find more on the USDA’s Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report online at www.nass.usda.gov.
