A few days of welcome rainfall meant Iowa farmers had 4.1 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending May 29, 2022, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Fieldwork activities included planting, cutting hay, and applying chemicals. Topsoil moisture conditions rated 1 percent very short, 10 percent short, 80 percent adequate and 9 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture conditions rated 2 percent very short, 18 percent short, 74 percent adequate and 6 percent surplus.
Planting is almost complete, with 94 percent of Iowa’s expected corn crop planted, 13 days behind last year but equal to the 5-year average. Seventy-three percent of the corn crop has emerged, 6 days behind last year and 2 days behind the average. Iowa’s first corn condition rating of the crop year was 0 percent very poor, 1 percent poor, 13 percent fair, 71 percent good and 15 percent excellent. Eighty-five percent of soybeans have been planted, 11 days behind last year but 6 days ahead of the 5-year average. Forty-five percent of soybeans have emerged, 8 days behind last year and 1 day behind the average. Ninety percent of the oat crop has emerged, 11 days behind last year and 1 week behind the 5-year average.
Ten percent of the oat crop has headed, 5 days behind last year. Iowa’s oat condition improved to 82 percent good to excellent. Fifteen percent of the State’s first cutting of alfalfa hay has been completed. Hay condition improved to 75 percent good to excellent. Pasture condition rose to 63 percent good to excellent. Pastures and hay growth were good as rains replenished soil moisture. Pastures are in good shape for livestock.