Weekly Iowa Crop Report, April 16, 2017

Rain continued to be an issue for Iowa farmers with just 3.0 days suitable for fieldwork statewide during the week ending April 16, 2017, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Corn planting has been limited as producers have been patiently waiting for warmer and drier soil conditions. Other field activities included CRP burning; anhydrous, manure, and fertilizer applications; and field cultivation where conditions allowed.

Topsoil moisture levels rated 0 percent very short, 1 percent short, 74 percent adequate, and 25 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 1 percent very short, 3 percent short, 76 percent adequate, and 20 percent surplus. Southeast Iowa continues to have the lowest subsoil moisture levels with 30 percent rated short to very short.

Two percent of the State’s expected corn acreage has been planted, five days behind the previous year and three days behind the 5-year average. Forty-two percent of the oat crop has been planted, four days behind average, with 10 percent emerged. Northwest, west central, and central Iowa farmers have planted over half their expected oat acreage.

Pasture condition rated 3 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 24 percent fair, 57 percent good, and 12 percent excellent. Pastures have begun to show good growth with some cows and calves already turned out into the fields. Livestock conditions have been good, although many feedlots remain muddy.

Source:  Iowa Dept of Ag