Another wet week as showers and thunderstorms moved through the State meant Iowa farmers had limited opportunities for fieldwork during the week ending June 23, 2019, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Statewide there were just 3.1 days suitable for fieldwork. Fieldwork activities included planting, harvesting hay, spraying and applying nitrogen.
Topsoil moisture condition was rated 0 percent very short, 1 percent short, 68 percent adequate and 31 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition was rated 0 percent very short, 1 percent short, 62 percent adequate and 37 percent surplus.
Ninety-six percent of the expected corn crop has emerged, two weeks behind last year and 15 days behind the 5-year average. Corn condition improved to 62 percent good to excellent. Ninety-five percent of the expected soybean crop has been planted, two weeks behind average. Eighty-one percent of the crop has emerged, over two weeks behind last year and average. Soybean condition rated 63 percent good to excellent, also an improvement from the last report. Oats headed reached 58 percent, eight days behind last year and average, while 3 percent of the crop has started coloring. Oat condition rated 63 percent good to excellent.
Wet conditions slowed progress on the first cutting of alfalfa hay with just 73 percent of the crop harvested statewide, nearly two weeks behind average. Hay condition rated 66 percent good to excellent. Pasture condition continued to improve and rated 69 percent good to excellent. Feedlots were muddy after recent rainfalls.