Iowa Farmers Getting Good Start on Spring Planting

Iowa farmers are getting a good start with spring field work – though Sunday’s soaking rains may slow that down a bit.

That’s the latest word from Iowa Secretary of Ag Mike Naig in this week’s Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report released by the USDA.

Matt Gaul, who farms near Edgewood, is among those farmers who have gotten a good start already this spring.

Farmers had about five and a half days suitable for fieldwork this past week. Corn planted reached 18 percent – 3 days ahead of last year and 5 days ahead of the 5-year average. Eleven percent of the expected soybean crop has been planted – 3 days ahead of last year and 1 week ahead of the 5-year average. Oats seeding reached 68 percent complete – 5 days behind last year but 3 days ahead of the 5-year average. Twenty-three percent of the expected oat acreage has emerged – 4 days behind last year but 5 days ahead of normal. 

Topsoil moisture condition was rated mostly adequate at 69-percent. Subsoil moisture condition was rated mostly adequate at 61-percent.

Secretary Naig says forecasts for the coming week show multiple rounds of showers possible across the state. While more delays may occur, he says the rain will help replenish soil moisture, which would be a welcome development in many areas.