Iowa Crops Catching Up After Planting Delays

Nearly all of Iowa’s corn has started to emerge after late season planting. 

This week’s Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report released by the USDA on Monday says 95% of the corn has emerged, with corn condition rated 74-percent good to excellent.

Eighty-six percent of the soybean crop has emerged – almost two weeks behind last year and one day behind the five-year average. Soybean condition is also rated 74 percent good to excellent.

Oats have reached 74 percent – two days behind last year, but one week ahead of the average. Nineteen percent of oats were turning color, with oat condition rated 81 percent good to excellent.

The State’s first cutting of alfalfa hay reached 89 percent complete – six days behind last year. Hay condition is rated 80 percent good to excellent. 

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says after the frustrating planting delays, crops seem to be catching up nicely. He notes that both corn and soybeans will continue to benefit from the forecasts, with warmer weather and above average chances for rain through the end of June.