Iowa’s corn crop is nearly three weeks behind the five-year average for planting due to wet field conditions this spring. According to the USDA, with 80% of the state’s corn planted it is the smallest amount by June 2nd to be planted since 1982 when farmers had 76% of corn in the soil. In southeast Iowa, only 62% of corn has been planted and 22% of soybeans. The five-year average is to have 89% of soybeans in the ground by now.

Field Agronomist Rebecca Vittetoe says that some farmers have been able to get back in the fields and plant earlier this week, but there is added stress this season, “You can definitely tell when I’m talking to farmers, whether it’s on the phone or in person, if they don’t have their crops in that you can definitely see that stress, or that concern. Usually planting is a fun time of year for farmers, but this year it’s definitely been a challenge and not as fun as what we typically like, or think planting to be.” She adds that some farmers are considering alternative crops and cover crops. She recommends reaching out to your crop insurance provider before making those decisions. Vittetoe is available for crop assistance at the Washington County Extension Office.

Also, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach provides a 24/7 confidential phone support Iowa Concern Hotline for finances, stress, disaster recovery and more at 1-800-447-1985.

For more information about delayed and prevent planting click here for additional resources.