In the latest Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report, dry conditions and warm weather allotted farmers 6.6 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending May 28, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Farmers were planting the last of their corn and soybeans, while others took advantage of the dry weather to cut hay. Additional activities included spraying pesticides on emerging crops.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 10 percent very short, 40 percent short, 49 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 10 percent very short, 36 percent short, 53 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus.

Planting is nearing completion, with 98 percent of the state’s corn crop planted, 8 days ahead of last year and 11 days ahead of the 5-year average. Eighty-five percent of the corn crop has emerged, 1 week ahead of both last year and the average. Iowa’s first corn condition rating of the season was 0 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 21 percent fair, 65 percent good, and 12 percent excellent. Ninety-four percent of Iowa’s expected soybean crop has been planted, just over a week ahead of last year and 15 days ahead of normal. Sixty-seven percent of soybeans have emerged, 8 days ahead of last year and the average. The state’s first soybean condition rating of the year was 1 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 25 percent fair, 59 percent good, and 12 percent excellent. Ninety-seven percent of the expected oat crop has emerged, 6 days ahead of normal. Twenty-one percent of the oat crop has headed, 8 days ahead of both last year and the average. Oat condition declined to 74 percent good to excellent.

Fifty-two percent of Iowa’s first cutting of alfalfa hay has been completed, jumping to nearly 2 weeks ahead of the 5-year average. Hay condition fell 8 points to 58 percent good to excellent. Pasture condition dropped as well to 50 percent good to excellent. No major livestock conditions were reported, other than a need for precipitation to improve pasture conditions.

For a copy of all 2023 Crop Progress and Condition Reports, click here.