Iowa farmers were left with 4.2 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending April 28, according to the latest Crop Progress and Condition Report from the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. Prior to the storms later in the week, corn, soybean, and oat planting continued to advance.

Topsoil moisture condition rated five percent very short, 17 percent short, 68 percent adequate, and 10 percent surplus. Topsoil that is adequate or better increased by 15 percent in the last week. Subsoil moisture condition rated 14 percent very short, 27 percent short, 53 percent adequate, and six percent surplus. Subsoil at adequate or better rose by 14 percent.

Corn planted reached 39 percent complete, four days ahead of last year and three days ahead of the five-year average. Two percent of the expected corn crop has emerged. Twenty-five percent of the expected soybean crop has been planted, four days ahead of last year and five days ahead of the average. Ninety percent of the expected oat crop has been planted, five days ahead of last year and nine days ahead of the five-year average. Fifty-three percent of the oat crop has emerged, eight days ahead of last year.

Pastures and hay ground continue to green up, as first reports were received of cattle being turned out onto pasture.