Iowa’s corn planting is essentially complete with emergence at 97%, over two weeks ahead of last year according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. That’s also 10 days ahead of the five-year average. In southeast Iowa, 94% of corn has emerged. Soybeans across the state are about three weeks ahead of last year with 97% planted. In southeast Iowa, 77% of soybeans have emerged, ahead of the five-year average of 67%.

Also, weather conditions last week were ideal for farmers to cut hay across much of the state. In southeast Iowa, 64% of the first cutting of hay and alfalfa is complete.