As farmers look ahead to spring field work, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship released the first crop progress and condition report for the state.

Colder than normal temperatures left Iowa farmers with 1.6 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending April 2, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. While some areas still reported frost in the topsoil, select counties in the southern and eastern parts of the state experienced hail and tornadoes. Despite these conditions, some producers were able to apply anhydrous, manure, and dry fertilizer, with a few instances of oat seeding reported.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 2 percent very short, 15 percent short, 76 percent adequate, and 7 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 6 percent very short, 25 percent short, 64 percent adequate, and 5 percent surplus.

Feedlots were drying out while calving continued. Livestock were faring well overall, with some reports of livestock injuries following the severe weather in certain areas.