Cold, wet conditions prevent fieldwork

A cold, wet week prevented fieldwork across most of Iowa during the week ending April 1, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Upper Midwest Regional Field Office, Iowa. Statewide there was just 0.4 day suitable for fieldwork.

Topsoil moisture levels rated 3 percent very short, 9 percent short, 73 percent adequate, and 15 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 4 percent very short, 14 percent short, 74 percent adequate, and 8 percent surplus. Northwest Iowa reported the highest surplus subsoil moisture level at 22 percent while parts of south central and southeast Iowa remain in abnormally dry to moderate drought conditions according to the March 27, 2018, U.S. Drought Monitor.

Two percent of oats have been planted, 4 days behind last year’s progress at this time and 3 days behind the five-year average.

Livestock conditions varied across the State. Heavy snow and muddy lots have both presented challenges for calving in many areas.