DES MOINES — Rain over the last week hampered farmers getting into the field, according to the newest edition of the USDA Iowa crop report.
USDA ag statistician Rebecca Alter says farmers were only able to get into the field a couple of days in the last week. “Periodic rains throughout the week resulted in just 2.3 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending April 27th. While needed, the precipitation slowed or stopped fieldwork and cool temperatures hampered crop emergence.”
Out of the nine crop reporting districts, the north-central district saw the third-worst report on days that were suitable for fieldwork with 1.4 days.
Statewide, corn and soybean planting for the most part are ahead of the average. “Corn planted reached 34%, two days ahead of the five-year average. Statewide, corn emerged was 2%. 25% of the expected soybean crop has been planted, one day ahead of last year and four days ahead of the five-year average.” Here in north-central Iowa, 23% of the corn had been planted, while 11% of soybeans had been planted.
Field moisture levels have continued to improve, with topsoil moisture statewide being 86% adequate to surplus and subsoil moisture being 75% adequate to surplus.
You can see the full crop report by clicking here
