The planting season continues its slow crawl in Iowa as snow, rain, and cold conditions limited farmers to two suitable days for fieldwork last week.

The weekly Crop Progress and Condition Report from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service shows those who have been able to do any fieldwork have been applying anhydrous and fertilizer, spreading manure, and planting oats. Thirteen percent of the expected oat crop has been planted, five days behind last year and two days behind the five-year average. There were scattered reports of oats beginning to emerge. Below normal temperatures meant pastures remained mostly dormant. Livestock conditions were generally good although cold temperatures and moisture have been a challenge for some cattle producers as calving continues. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says while colder conditions have hindered producers’ efforts to begin fieldwork, the additional moisture received in the recent weeks will be beneficial for the upcoming growing season.