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USDA: Iowa Farmers Begin Planting As Dry Weather Aids Fieldwork

Warmer temperatures and dry weather allowed Iowa farmers to begin planting during the week ending April 13, according to the latest Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Farmers had 5.9 days suitable for fieldwork, including tillage, oat seeding, and application of anhydrous, manure, and dry fertilizer. There were limited reports of some corn and soybean planting. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says, “Planters are beginning to roll across the state. The warmer temperatures and drier weather over the past week allowed for a good start to the planting season. Outlooks for the rest of April are showing better chances for rain and a more active weather pattern. The threat of severe weather is elevated this time of year, so I encourage all Iowans to be weather aware and have a safety plan in place.” Topsoil moisture was rated 31 percent short to very short, 68 percent adequate, and one percent surplus, while subsoil moisture was 40 percent short to very short, 59 percent adequate, and one percent surplus. Oat seeding reached 47 percent, slightly behind last year but ahead of the five-year average. Six percent of oat acreage had emerged. The statewide average temperature was 45.2 degrees, one degree below normal. Weekly precipitation averaged 0.02 inches, well below the normal 0.79 inches, with southeast Iowa receiving the most rainfall. The full Iowa Crop Progress and Condition report is available online at nass.usda.gov.

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