In the week’s crop progress report, more consistent cool and dry weather offered farmers 4.8 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending April 30, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Corn, soybean, and oat planting continued this week, however colder temperatures slowed crop emergence.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 5 percent very short, 24 percent short, 68 percent adequate, and 3 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 8 percent very short, 31 percent short, 58 percent adequate, and 3 percent surplus.

Twenty-nine percent of Iowa’s expected corn crop has been planted, 11 days ahead of last year, but 1 day behind the 5-year average. Sixteen percent of the soybean crop has been planted, 11 days ahead of last year and 1 day ahead of the average. Eighty-five percent of the oat crop has been planted, 2 weeks ahead of last year and 6 days ahead of normal. Twenty-nine percent of the oat crop has emerged, 1 week ahead of last year and 1 day ahead of the average.

Cattle continue to be let out to pasture, although pasture regrowth is slow with the current weather pattern. Overall, livestock conditions continue to be good.

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