Iowa farmers were once again limited in the last week, with just 3.8 days suitable for fieldwork according to the Department of Agriculture. Fieldwork included corn and soybean planting as well as cutting hay. Some replanting was required due to drowned out areas in fields. 

Topsoil moisture condition rated one percent very short, six percent short, 77 percent adequate, and 16 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated four percent very short, 14 percent short, 73 percent adequate, and nine percent surplus. 

Seventy-eight percent of Iowa’s expected corn crop has been planted, eight days behind last year and four days behind the five-year average. Forty-seven percent of the corn crop has emerged, two days behind last year, but on pace with the average. Sixty-one percent of the State’s expected soybean crop has been planted, one week behind last year, but two days behind normal. Nearly one quarter of the soybean crop has emerged, three days behind last year, but even with the average. Ninety-one percent of the expected oat crop has emerged, five days ahead of normal. Seventeen percent of the expected oat crop has headed, six days ahead of last year and almost two weeks ahead of average. Oat condition remained at 76 percent good to excellent. 

Ten percent of Iowa’s first cutting of alfalfa hay has been completed. Hay condition rated 78 percent good to excellent. Pasture condition improved to 72 percent good to excellent. Reports were received of farmers cleaning out bins and hauling grain to town.