Cool temperatures and rain throughout Iowa kept fields from drying out enough for fieldwork during the week ending April 7, 2019, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Statewide there was just 0.8 day suitable for fieldwork. Fieldwork activities were limited with some farmers spreading manure and applying dry fertilizer on fields able to support the equipment.
Topsoil moisture levels rated 0 percent very short, 0 percent short, 44 percent adequate and 56 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 0 percent very short, 0 percent short, 46 percent adequate and 54 percent surplus.
Two percent of oats have been planted statewide, nine days behind the 5-year average and nearly a week behind last year. This is the smallest percent planted by this time since 2008.
Cover crops and hay continue to green as warmer temperatures induced growth. Livestock and feedlot conditions have improved, but feedlots remain muddy.