Iowa Crop Report, May 24, 2015

Wet conditions continued, delaying planting and allowing only 2.8 days suitable for fieldwork statewide during the week ending May 24, 2015, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Cattle producers had concerns about muddy feedlots while crop farmers experienced spraying delays. Farmers are evaluating the need to replant corn in low-lying areas.

Topsoil moisture levels increased to 0 percent very short, 3 percent short, 74 percent adequate and 23 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 1 percent very short, 7 percent short, 79 percent adequate and 13 percent surplus. Only southeast Iowa had any topsoil reported as being very short on moisture. Southwest Iowa had the highest subsoil moisture rating at 99 adequate to surplus.

Ninety-six percent of the corn crop has been planted, 1 day ahead of last year, and 3 days ahead of the 5-year average. Southwest Iowa remains well behind the other districts with just 81 percent planted, while northwest, north central and central Iowa are virtually complete. Corn emerged reached 81 percent, 6 days ahead of last year and 4 days ahead of normal. The first corn condition rating of the season was 0 percent very poor, 1 percent poor, 20 percent fair, 63 percent good, and 16 percent excellent. Soybean planting reached 70 percent complete, behind last year’s pace for the first time this year. Thirty-two percent of the soybean crop has emerged, slightly ahead of last year and normal. With emergence nearly complete, oat conditions improved slightly with 82 percent good to excellent.

The first cutting of alfalfa hay advanced to 11 percent completed. Hay conditions improved slightly to 81 percent good to excellent. Pasture condition also improved to 74 percent good to excellent. Muddy conditions in pastures and feedlots have stressed livestock in some areas.

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Source: Iowa Dept of Ag

Categories: Ag News, North East Iowa News