Almost a full week of work reported for Iowa farmers last week

DES MOINES — Last week was a good week for farmers to get into the field, according to the new US Department of Agriculture crop report.

USDA ag statistician Melissa Couch says conditions allowed for a full week of work, including the first reports of corn and soybeans being planted in the state.  “Dry conditions helped Iowa farmers as days suitable for field work increased to 5.9 for the week ending April 13th. Field work included tillage, seeding oats, and applying anhydrous, manure and dry fertilizer. There were also reports of corn and soybeans being planted.”

Here in north-central Iowa, there were an average of 5.7 days suitable for field work.

Couch says soil moisture numbers continue to improve.  “Topsoil moisture condition rated 7% very short, 24% short, 68% adequate and 1% surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 9% very short, 31% short, 59% adequate and 1% surplus.”

Here in north-central Iowa, topsoil moisture was 5% very short, 20% short, 73% adequate and 2% surplus; while subsoil moisture was 5% very short, 33% short, 59% adequate and 3% surplus. 

Statewide, oats seeding reached 47% complete, three days behind last year but three days ahead of the five-year average. In north-central Iowa, 41% of oats have been planted but none have emerged.

See the full crop report by clicking here