Unseasonably warm, but wet weather meant Iowa farmers had just 3.6 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending May 14, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. The warmth helped with crop emergence, however, the wet conditions slowed planting progress. During dry periods, farmers continued planting corn, soybeans, and oats. Other reports of interest were for isolated flooding and large hail across the central portions of the state.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 3 percent very short, 14 percent short, 76 percent adequate, and 7 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 6 percent very short, 23 percent short, 68 percent adequate, and 3 percent surplus.

Eighty-six percent of Iowa’s expected corn crop has been planted, 8 days ahead of last year and 1 week ahead of the 5-year average. Thirty-five percent of the corn crop has emerged, 6 days ahead of last year and 2 days ahead of the average. One-fifth of the state’s expected soybean crop was planted last week for a total of 69 percent planted, just over one week ahead of both last year and the average. Nineteen percent of the soybeans have emerged, 9 days ahead of last year and 5 days ahead of the average. Nearly all of the oat crop has been planted with 83 percent emerged, 9 days ahead of last year and 5 days ahead of the average. The first oat condition rating of the season was 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 20 percent fair, 64 percent good, and 13 percent excellent.

Hay condition improved to 72 percent good to excellent. Pasture condition jumped to 53 percent good to excellent, and reports of livestock turned out to pasture and grazing were received.

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