According to the latest Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), spring planting remained behind schedule due to persistent wet conditions. Iowa farmers had just 1.7 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending May 12, with most of that work occurring late in the week. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says, “Planters continue to be parked across much of the state. Widespread wet conditions last week have delayed planting progress, and it’s certainly weighing on the minds of farmers. We need sunshine and light breeze to get back into the field. Although the chances of thunderstorms remain in the forecast, conditions are trending warmer and quieter mid to late week. Once the conditions are right, farmers will get back to planting.” Fifty-seven percent of the state’s expected corn crop has been planted, a week behind last year and five days behind the average. An estimated 26 percent of the corn crop has emerged. Thirty-nine percent of the expected soybean crop is now in the ground, a week behind the last planting season and four days behind the five-year average. Around 13 percent of soybeans have emerged. Topsoil moisture ratings continue to improve, with eight percent of the state short to very short, 71 percent adequate, and 21 percent surplus. Subsoil conditions rated 21 percent short to very short, 67 percent adequate, and 12 percent surplus. The complete Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report is available online at www.nass.usda.gov.
