DES MOINES, Iowa - Heavy and frequent rain and storms have dramatically affected Iowa farmers' corn and soybean planting this year.
The Iowa Department of Agriculture says planting progress is the lowest in more than two decades.
76-percent of the corn crop is planted, two weeks behind the five-year average, and the lowest since May 1995.
Less than one-third of the soybean crop has been planted, also two weeks behind average, and the lowest since May 1993.
"The Corn Belt is stuck in a weather pattern that’s creating persistent, wet conditions," Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says. "This is causing historic planting delays.
"With only one day suitable for fieldwork last week, corn progress is 10 days behind and soybeans are two weeks behind last year. We know farmers are anxious to get their crops in the field if we get a break from the rain."
Only 42-percent of the corn crop has emerged from the ground, which is 10 days behind average. Only eight-percent of the soybeans have emerged, which is eight days behind average.
Top photo USDA. Bottom photo KCRG-TV 9.