Cold and wet weather is impacting spring farm operations.

The first Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report for 2018 has been released and Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig said, “The cool, wet weather has kept farmers out of the field and created challenges for cow/calf producers who are in the midst of calving. It looks like this weather pattern could stay in place and continue to prevent farmers from getting a start on spring fieldwork.” Due to the wet conditions and muddy lots, there have been challenges for calving across the state.

In southeast Iowa topsoil moisture is rated at 21% very short, 18% short, 54% adequate and seven percent surplus. Locally subsoil moisture is 25% very short, 30% short, 43% adequate, and two percent surplus. Two percent of Iowa’s oats have been planted, three days behind the five-year average.