Favorable weather conditions at the beginning of the week ending April 28, 2019, allowed Iowa farmers to make planting progress according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. However, rain and snow over the weekend created some fieldwork delays. Statewide there were 4.3 days suitable for fieldwork. Activities for the week included hauling manure, applying anhydrous, tillage and planting.
Topsoil moisture levels rated 0 percent very short, 1 percent short, 74 percent adequate and 25 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 0 percent very short, 1 percent short, 66 percent adequate and 33 percent surplus.
Iowa farmers have planted 21 percent of the expected corn crop, 2 days ahead of last year but 2 days behind the 5-year average. Central, south central, and southeast Iowa farmers already have at least one-third of their corn planted. Soybean planting has started with 3 percent of the expected crop in the ground, similar to last year and the average. Seventy-seven percent of the expected oat crop has been planted, over one week ahead of last year but equal to the average. Fourteen percent of the crop has emerged, 8 days behind average.
Pasture Condition rated 3 percent very poor, 6 percent poor, 35 percent fair, 46 percent good and 10 percent excellent. Pasture growth has been slow in much of the State. Feedlot conditions have improved.