New crop report shows planting well ahead of average

DES MOINES — Good weather last week allowed farmers to get into the field this past week, according to the newest edition of the USDA crop report for Iowa.

Ag statistician Rebecca Alter says planting is well ahead of average.  “Corn planted reached 76%, eight days ahead of last year and three days ahead of the five-year average. Corn emerged reached 30%, four days ahead of last year’s pace and two days ahead of normal. 64% of the expected soybean crop has been planted, 10 days ahead of last year and five days ahead of the five-year average. Soybeans emerged reached 16%.” Here in the north-central crop reporting district, 81% of the corn has been planted and 23% has emerged, while 56% of the soybean crop has been planted and 8% has emerged.

Alter says soil moisture has vastly improved since the beginning of the year.   “Topsoil moisture condition rated 5% very short, 22% short, 70% adequate and 3% surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 5% very short, 24% short, 67% adequate and 4% surplus.” Here in north-central Iowa, topsoil moisture was 1% very short, 7% short, 88% adequate and 4% surplus, while subsoil moisture was rated 2% very short, 10% short, 75% adequate and 13% surplus.

Here locally, 97% of the oats have been planted and 88% have emerged.

You can see the full crop report by clicking here