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Weather Holds Iowa to Only Two Days for Fieldwork
Iowa Ag Connection - 05/03/2016

Although some fieldwork was done early in the week, as the week progressed rains halted planting across much of Iowa for the week ending Sunday, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Statewide there were only 2.0 days suitable for fieldwork. Cool and wet weather slowed crop emergence, and many reports indicate tile lines have been running steady.

Topsoil moisture levels rated 0 percent very short, 1 percent short, 74 percent adequate and 25 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 0 percent very short, 1 percent short, 84 percent adequate and 15 percent surplus. The western third of Iowa reported 20 percent or more with surplus subsoil moisture.

Statewide, just 17 percent of the corn crop was planted during the past week. But with 57 percent of the crop planted, progress remained 1 day ahead of last year and 8 days ahead of the 5-year average. Farmers in north central and central Iowa have already planted over three-quarters of their corn crop. Seven percent of the soybean acreage has been planted, 5 days ahead of the 5-year average. Ninety-six percent of the State's oat crop has been planted, 2 days ahead of last year and 2 weeks ahead of normal. Oats emerged reached 68 percent, 4 days ahead of the previous year and 8 days ahead of the average. The season's first oat condition rating came in at 0 percent very poor, 1 percent poor, 28 percent fair, 61 percent good, and 10 percent excellent.

The first hay condition rating of the season was 0 percent very poor, 1 percent poor, 29 percent fair, 59 percent good, and 11 percent excellent. Pasture condition rated 65 percent good to excellent, while some reports indicated low-lying pastures were saturated with some flooding. Livestock conditions were reported as tough with windy, wet, and cool weather leaving feedlots saturated.


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