Iowa farmers had 4.3 days suitable for fieldwork last week, according to the first Iowa Crop Progress and Conditions Report of 2021 released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Fieldwork activities included applying anhydrous and fertilizer, spreading manure, and planting oats. Topsoil moisture levels rated 8% very short, 25% short, 64% adequate, and 3% surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 12% very short, 29% short, 56% adequate, and 3% surplus. Twelve percent of the expected oat crop has been planted, three days ahead of last year and four days ahead of the five-year average. Pastures have begun to green and livestock conditions are generally good, with producers reporting calving as going well.