First Crop Report of the Season Released

The first crop report of the season is out.

The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service releases the report weekly April through November. 

Iowa Secretary of Ag Mike Naig says April 10th marks the earliest date to plant corn and remain eligible for federal crop insurance – so he says that means we should begin seeing planters in fields this week.

Naig says this week’s dry and warm weather will allow farmers to get a jumpstart on their spring field work.

Topsoil moisture condition is rated mostly adequate at 73 percent adequate, with subsoil moisture condition rated mostly adequate at 62 percent.

Thirteen percent of the expected oat crop has been planted, one day ahead of last year but one day behind the five-year average. And there are limited reports of oats beginning to emerge.