Iowa Weekly Crop Report, May 22, 2016

Drier conditions allowed farmers to make good progress with 5.5 days suitable for fieldwork statewide during the week ending May 22, 2016, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. There were scattered reports of corn being replanted in the northern third of Iowa.

Topsoil moisture levels increased to 0 percent very short, 5 percent short, 84 percent adequate and 11 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 0 percent very short, 3 percent short, 85 percent adequate and 12 percent surplus.

Ninety-six percent of the corn crop has been planted, 2 days ahead of last year and 6 days ahead of the 5-year average. Corn emerged reached 75 percent, on pace with last year, but 4 days ahead of normal. The first corn condition rating of the season was 1 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 23 percent fair, 62 percent good, and 11 percent excellent. Soybean planting reached 74 percent complete, almost a week ahead of last year. Twenty-one percent of the soybeans have emerged, 2 days behind last year, but equal to the 5-year average. Oat emergence was nearly complete at 96 percent, while oats headed reached 11 percent this week, 11 days ahead of last year and 6 days ahead of the 5-year average. Oat condition was rated 80 percent good to excellent.

The first cutting of alfalfa hay advanced to 19 percent completed. Hay conditions improved slightly to 75 percent good to excellent. Pasture condition also improved to 76 percent good to excellent. Livestock conditions were described as generally good with some feedlots starting to dry up.

Source:  NAFB news