Farmers made quick progress last week with 86 percent of Iowa’s expected corn crop planted, 13 days behind last year and three days behind the five-year average. 

This week’s Iowa Crop Progress and Condition report from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service shows 47 percent of the corn crop has emerged, one week behind last year and three days behind average. Sixty-nine percent of soybeans have been planted, 12 days behind last year but one day ahead of the 5-year average. Eighteen percent of soybeans have emerged, eight days behind last year and four days behind average. Ninety-six percent of the expected oat crop has been planted with 82 percent emerged, nine days behind last year and five days behind the five-year average. Iowa’s first oat condition rating for 2022 was 0 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 23 percent fair, 60 percent good and 15 percent excellent.

Five percent of the state’s first cutting of alfalfa hay has been completed. Hay condition improved to 71 percent good to excellent. Pasture conditions rose to 59 percent good to excellent. Livestock conditions were good with most cattle now on pastures.