Significantly drier and warmer weather finally gave Iowa farmers the longest stretch of fieldwork time so far this planting season, according to the weekly Crop Progress and Condition Report from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Farmers had 5.2 days suitable for fieldwork last week, after weeks of rain and cold gave them 2.8 days at most in one reporting period. Forty-three percent of Iowa’s expected corn crop was planted to reach 57% total planted, two weeks behind last year and nine days behind the five-year average. Eight percent of the corn crop has emerged, 11 days behind last year and nine days behind average. Thirty-four percent of soybeans have been planted, just over two weeks behind last year and one week behind the five-year average. Only three percent of soybeans have emerged, 10 days behind the previous year and six days behind average. Hay and pasture growth improved greatly with above normal temperatures, with Iowa’s hay condition rating at 68% good to excellent. Pasture condition improved to 53% good to excellent, and livestock conditions were good as they were turned out from muddy feedlots to pasture, although feed stocks were low.