The first Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report of the season has been released.
Iowa Secretary of Ag Mike Naig says the late season snow last week, along with the recent rainfall, has helped ease drought conditions across portions of the state. Naig says while April precipitation outlooks point to the possibility of wetter than normal conditions, near-term temperatures are forecasted to remain colder than usual.
The report says Iowa farmers had about a day or two suitable for fieldwork last week, with some farmers in the state able to apply anhydrous and fertilizer, spread manure and plant oats.
Seven percent of the expected oat crop has been planted – 2 days behind last year, but 2 days ahead of the 5-year average.
Topsoil moisture levels were rated mostly adequate at 58 percent, 25 percent short, 9 percent very short and 8 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels were rated mostly adequate at 49 percent, 35 percent short, 12 percent very short and 4 percent surplus.
The report is released by the USDA weekly April through November.
