(Des Moines, IA) -- Twenty-percent of the Iowa corn crop has been planted. Farmers have planted six percent of the soybean crop. Most farmers are beginning early field work, applying anhydrous, dry fertilizer, tilling fields, and planting.
“We’ve seen improvement in drought conditions across western Iowa,” said Secretary Naig. “Colder temperatures and some late-season snow slowed farmers down last week. However, recent weather patterns have allowed more farmers to get into the fields and a warm and windy forecast should ramp up field activities in the coming days.”
Topsoil moisture levels rated 6% very short, 28% short, 64% adequate and 2% surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 10% very short, 35% short, 54% adequate and 1% surplus.
A large part of northern and west central Iowa are considered abnormally dry, according to last week's report from the U.S. Drought Monitor. Far northwest Iowa continues to have the most dry conditions.