Iowa farmers had 1.8 days suitable for field work last week, according to the latest Crop Progress and Condition Report from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Fourteen percent of Iowa’s expected corn crop has been planted, at least two weeks behind both last year and the five-year average. Seven percent of soybeans have been planted, 12 days behind last year and 11 days behind average. Field work last week also included spraying when windy conditions allowed and spreading manure. The first hay condition rating of the season was 1 percent very poor, 5 percent poor, 36 percent fair, 51 percent good, and 7 percent excellent. Pasture condition rated 43 percent good to excellent. Pasture and hay growth improved with slightly warmer temperatures. Livestock conditions were good, with calves growing well despite muddy feedlots and pastures.