By Andi Anderson
Iowa farmers took advantage of early spring conditions to push forward with planting before wet weather slowed progress. For the week ending April 20, 2025, there were an average of 5.5 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.
Farmers were busy planting corn, soybeans, and oats, as well as completing field tasks such as tiling, spraying when wind conditions allowed, and building waterways.
Topsoil moisture was reported as 6 percent very short, 22 percent short, 69 percent adequate, and 3 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 7 percent very short, 30 percent short, 61 percent adequate, and 2 percent surplus. This moisture level supported early planting across many parts of the state.
Corn planting reached 18 percent completion, which is 3 days ahead of last year and 5 days ahead of the five-year average. Soybean planting was also progressing well, with 11 percent of the crop planted—3 days ahead of 2024 and a full week ahead of the average pace.
Oats seeding was reported at 68 percent complete. Although that is 5 days behind last year, it is still 3 days ahead of the five-year average. Additionally, 23 percent of the oat acreage had emerged, which trails last year by 4 days but remains 5 days ahead of the long-term average.
While recent rainfall may have caused some delays, most Iowa fields have received enough moisture to support healthy crop development. As weather conditions stabilize, farmers are expected to continue making steady progress with spring fieldwork.
This early season momentum is a positive sign for Iowa’s agricultural outlook, helping ensure timely crop emergence and better yield potential later in the year.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-fotokostic
Categories: Iowa, Weather