(Des Moines, IA) -- Warm, dry weather last week allowed Iowa farmers to make big progress in planting. Farmers have planted nearly 70-percent of the corn crop and about half the soybean crop. Sis percent of the corn crop has emerged.
“Over the last week, farmers made significant planting progress before late-week thunderstorms brought much needed moisture along with unwanted hail and high winds,” said Iowa Agriculture Secretary Naig. “Rain chances continue this week, but weather outlooks through mid-May are shifting towards warmer temperatures and somewhat drier conditions.”
Forty-one percent of Iowa’s expected corn crop was last week, bringing the total up to 70-percent planted. The pace is 12 days ahead of last year and 1 week ahead of the 5-year average. Six percent of the corn crop has emerged, 6 days ahead of last year but a day behind average.
Farmers planed one-third of Iowa’s expected soybean crop last week, for a total of 49 percent planted, 11 days ahead of last year and just over a week ahead of the average.
The weekly report is also available on the USDA’s website at nass.usda.gov.