Crop progress report shows planting is behind again

Rain and snow limited Iowa farmers to 2.9 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending April 19, 2020, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Areas of southern Iowa saw a foot of snow late Thursday, April 16 through the morning of Friday, April 17.

Where possible, field activities for the week included planting, applying anhydrous and dry fertilizer, spreading manure, and tilling fields. Topsoil moisture levels rated 0 percent very short, 1 percent short, 81 percent adequate and 18 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 0 percent very short, 1 percent short, 80 percent adequate and 19 percent surplus.

In spite of less than ideal conditions, 2 percent of Iowa’s corn crop has been planted, almost one week behind the five-year average. Half of Iowa’s expected oat crop has been planted, 3 days ahead of last year but 1 day behind average. Six percent of the oat crop has emerged, 5 days behind average.


Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content