By Andi Anderson
Rainfall continues to influence agricultural activities in Iowa, limiting fieldwork and impacting crop planting progress. According to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service, Iowa farmers had only 1.4 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending May 5, 2024. Persistent rains over the past weeks have alleviated drought conditions in some counties but have hindered planting efforts.
Topsoil moisture conditions are varied, with 4 percent rated very short, 12 percent short, 65 percent adequate, and 19 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture conditions also show variability, with 7 percent rated very short, 20 percent short, 64 percent adequate, and 9 percent surplus.
Corn planting progress is behind schedule, with only 8 percent of the expected crop planted by May 5th, totaling 47 percent planted overall. Soybean planting progress is also delayed, with 5 percent planted during the week, reaching a total of 30 percent planted, falling 2 days behind last year's progress.
Oat planting progress remains ahead of schedule, with 96 percent planted, and emergence at 68 percent. The first oat condition rating indicates mostly favorable conditions, with 59 percent rated good to excellent.
Hay and pasture conditions are generally satisfactory, with the first hay condition rating showing 64 percent rated good to excellent, and pasture condition rated at 57 percent good to excellent. Many cattle are being turned out to pasture as conditions allow.
In addition to crop progress and conditions, the Iowa Preliminary Weather Summary highlights unseasonably wet conditions, with widespread rainfall across the state. Temperatures varied but remained near normal, with rain totals exceeding weekly averages in many areas.
Despite challenges posed by wet weather, Iowa farmers continue to adapt and manage fieldwork activities amidst changing conditions, emphasizing resilience and flexibility in agricultural practices.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-awakr10
Categories: Iowa, Crops, Weather