Drier weather allowed Iowa farmers 5.1 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending June 7, 2020, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Weather conditions were ideal for farmers to cut hay across much of the state.
Topsoil moisture levels rated 0% very short, 4% short, 85% adequate and 11% surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 0% very short, 3% short, 87% adequate and 10% surplus.
Corn planting was virtually complete with emergence at 97%, over 2 weeks ahead of last year and 10 days ahead of the 5-year average. Corn condition rated 85% good to excellent. The soybean crop moved to 97% planted, 3 weeks ahead of last year and 12 days ahead of average. Emergence reached 87%, 10 days ahead of average. Soybean condition rated 82% good to excellent.
Oats headed progressed to 18%, 2 days ahead of last year but 5 days behind average. Oat condition rated 81% good to excellent. Dry weather allowed over one-third of the first cutting of alfalfa hay to be completed during the week ending June 7, 2020, reaching 54 percent complete. Only southwest and south central Iowa producers were unable to complete at least one-third of the first cutting of alfalfa hay during the week. Hay condition rated 75% good to excellent.
Pasture condition improved to 70% good to excellent. There was little stress on livestock reported.