DES MOINES — Planting progress across Iowa last week was good until heavy rain hit portions of the state, according to the new crop report released by the US Department of Agriculture on Monday.
USDA ag statistician Rebecca Alter says farmers were able to be in the field for the majority of the week. “Planters were rolling across much of the state before being slowed by precipitation. Iowa farmers averaged 5.5 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending April 20th. In addition to planting corn, soybeans and oats, fieldwork included tiling, building waterways, and spraying when winds allowed.” Here in the north-central crop reporting district, there were 4.8 days suitable for fieldwork.
Alter says corn and soybean planting so far is ahead of the average pace. “Corn planted reached 18%, three days ahead of last year and five days ahead of the five-year average. 11% of the expected soybean crop has been planted, three days ahead of last year, and one week ahead of the five-year average.” Here in north-central Iowa, 15% of the expected corn crop and 7% of the expected soybean crop has been planted.
You can see the full crop report by clicking here
