Weather conditions across the state are making it tough for farmers to get to their spring fieldwork.

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig states the weather is challenging for livestock farmers caring for new calves and anticipating spring pasture growth. Cover crops are beginning to green up. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, last week in Iowa farmers only had 1.3 days suitable for fieldwork. Across the state 12% of oats have been planted while at this time last year 38% had been planted. In southeast Iowa 15% of oats have been planted. The five-year average is 43%.