DES MOINES — Cool and wet weather last week hampered efforts for Iowa farmers to get into the field to start the 2025 planting season.
USDA ag statistician Melissa Couch says only about half of the week was good for farmers to do any work. “Much of the state experienced cooler than normal temperatures and much needed rain showers, leaving Iowa farmers with 3.3 days suitable for fieldwork. Minimal fieldwork was done during the week, but some producers were able to plant oats, apply anhydrous, and dry fertilizer.”
Here in the north-central crop reporting district, there were about 3.4 days suitable for fieldwork reported last week. Oats seeding statewide reached 20% complete while 10% were planted here in north-central Iowa. That’s eight days behind last year but two days ahead of the five-year average. Oats emerged reached 2%.
Couch says soil moisture continues to improve. “Topsoil moisture condition rated 6% very short, 22% short, 68% adequate and 4% surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 10% very short, 34% short, 55% adequate and 1% surplus.”
Here in north-central Iowa, topsoil moisture was 5% very short, 24% short, 62% adequate and 9% surplus. Subsoil moisture was 15% very short, 34% short, 48% adequate and 3% surplus.
You can see the full crop report by clicking here
