Photo: Sue Danielson
(Des Moines, IA) -- Just seven percent of Iowa's corn crop has been planted so far this spring. Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig says many farmers are waiting to plant until after more rain showers to improve soil moisture.
“Sandwiched between severe storms and chilly snow flurries were some unseasonably warm and dry conditions that allowed farmers to get planters rolling across the state,” said Secretary Naig. “With cooler than average temperatures expected through the end of April, farmers should monitor soil temperatures and be aware of the potential for localized patches of frost.
The U-S Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service reports strong winds and warmer than normal temperatures led to drier soil conditions which allowed 5.2 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending April 16, 2023. There were a few isolated areas in the southern part of Iowa that saw more precipitation than average for this time of year. Fertilizer applications continued and oat seeding accelerated.
Topsoil moisture condition rated 7 percent very short, 23 percent short, 66 percent adequate and 4 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 9 percent very short, 28 percent short, 60 percent adequate and 3 percent surplus.
The corn planting that has started is nearly two weeks ahead of last year and six days ahead of the 5-year average. Over one-third of the State’s expected oat crop was planted during the week ending April 16 to reach 51 percent, 10 days ahead of last year and 6 days ahead of normal. Four percent of the oat crop has emerged.