Photo: Sue Danielson
(Des Moines, IA) -- Weather continues to delay Iowa farmers' planting efforts. This week's crop report finds just 9-percent of the corn crop has been planted. The report states just 4-percent of the soybean crop is in the ground. Western Iowa farmers have been able plant the most so far.
“Despite another cold, wet week that slowed fieldwork, planting has begun in some areas of the state,” said Iowa Agriculture Secretary Naig. “Looking ahead, short-term temperature outlooks suggest a shift toward much needed warmer weather but, unfortunately, with a wetter storm track.”
The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service says Iowa's corn planting progress is 11 days behind last year and 9 days behind the 5-year average. Planting soybeans is 9 days behind the previous year and 5 days behind the average. Sixty-three percent of the expected oat crop has been planted, almost 2 weeks behind last year and 1 week behind the 5-year average. Eighteen percent of the oat crop has emerged, 10 days behind last year and 6 days behind the average.
Pasture and hay growth were still slow. Livestock conditions were challenging, with muddy feedlots and pastures.
Follow this link for more details about Iowa's soil moisture and climate information.