Corn Planting Nearly Wraps Up Across Iowa

Corn planting has nearly wrapped up across the state. 

This week’s Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report released by the USDA says 95-percent of the corn crop has been planted, with corn emerging at 76-percent – that’s two days ahead of normal. Corn condition is rated mostly good at 62-percent, with 21-percent rated as excellent. 

Ninety-two percent of the soybean crop has been planted. Soybeans emerging has reached 60-percent – that’s four days ahead of normal. Soybean condition is rated 64-percent good. 

Ninety-two percent of the state’s oat crop has emerged. Oats headed has reached 26 percent, with oat condition at 69 percent good.

Forty percent of the state’s first cutting of alfalfa hay has been completed, with hay condition rated 85 percent good to excellent. 

Ag Secretary Mike Naig says last week’s cool and soggy conditions sidelined many farmers who were looking to finish planting or complete other field work – but despite the delays, he says most farmers are grateful to receive the rain as we recharge our soils and give the crops a strong early season boost. A less active weather pattern with warmer temperatures and spotty rain is expected the rest of this week into the weekend.