Rain across the State delayed planting activities and held Iowa farmers to 2.8 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending May 5, 2019, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Below normal temperatures also slowed crop emergence.
Topsoil moisture levels rated 0 percent very short, 2 percent short, 69 percent adequate and 29 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 0 percent very short, 2 percent short, 66 percent adequate and 32 percent surplus.
Statewide, just 15 percent of the corn crop was planted during the past week. Iowa growers have now planted 36 percent of the expected crop, 1 day behind last year and 5 days behind the 5-year average. Northwest and northeast Iowa farmers have less than 20 percent of their corn planted. Just 1 percent of the crop has emerged, almost a week behind average. Eight percent of the expected soybean crop has been planted, 2 days behind last year and average. Eighty-seven percent of the expected oat crop has been planted, 6 days ahead of last year but equal to average. Thirty-five percent of the crop has emerged, 2 days ahead of last year but a week behind average.
Pastures have had plenty of moisture, but could use warmer temperatures as growth remains slow. Pasture condition rated 61 percent good to excellent. Even with the slow pasture growth, cattle have been turned out into pastures. As much as we may be behind in Iowa, most other midwest states are in worse shape. You can find all of those numbers here.