Severe storms and widespread rainfall slowed planting progress across Iowa last week, but the precipitation provided a much-needed boost to soil moisture levels, according to the latest Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report from the USDA. For the week ending April 20, farmers averaged 5.5 days suitable for fieldwork, which included corn, soybean, and oat planting, tilling, and limited spraying. While the precipitation slowed producers in some areas, planting season is off to a swift start, as corn planted reached 18 percent, three days ahead of last year and five days ahead of the five-year average. An estimated 11 percent of the expected soybean crop is in the ground, three days ahead of last year and a week ahead of the five-year average. Topsoil moisture was rated 28 percent short to very short, 69 percent adequate, and three percent surplus, while subsoil moisture was 37 percent short to very short, 61 percent adequate, and two percent surplus. Storms brought hail, high winds, and tornadoes, especially in southwest and north-central Iowa. Despite the storms, Iowa’s average temperature was 52.6 degrees, 3.2 degrees above normal. The week’s high was 85 degrees in northwest Iowa on April 17, while lows dropped to 25 degrees in the north. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says, “Although many farmers got a good start with spring field work, the widespread rain and storms over the holiday weekend could temporarily pause further progress. Forecasts for the coming week show multiple rounds of showers possible across the state. While more delays may occur, the rain will help replenish soil moisture, which would be a welcome development in many areas.” Read the full report online at www.nass.usda.gov.
