Iowa farmers are dealing with cool soil temperatures but are starting to get in the field to apply anhydrous and to work soil for planting preparation.
“Another round of cold, wet weather and some significant snowfall again kept farmers from the field for much of the past week. As a result, we are now well behind the 5-year average of 11 percent of corn planted by April 22,” Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig said. “Starting late last week more seasonal weather started to allow some farmers in southern Iowa to begin spring fieldwork and do some planting. Hopefully, we will continue to see warmer temperatures and drier weather so farmers across the state can get in the fields and start spring planting.”
The April 23 crop report shows the previous week began with below normal temperatures and northern Iowa counties receiving snow early in the week. By the end of the week, temperatures were closer to normal and farmers were getting in the field. The beginning of the current week has had temperatures near normal and less precipitation to allow farmers to apply anhydrous and get fields prepared for planting.
According to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, topsoil moisture levels rated 3 percent very short, 7 percent short, 74 percent adequate and 16 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 4 percent very short, 13 percent short, 72 percent adequate and 11 percent surplus. Northern Iowa has received an abundance of snow, while southern Iowa is in need of precipitation with south central Iowa the driest.
Twenty-three percent of the expected oat crop has been planted, nearly two weeks behind last year and the 5-year average. Below normal temperatures have delayed oat emergence, with just 1 percent of the crop being reported as emerged, the lowest level at this time since 2001.
Extended winter conditions have delayed pasture grass growth. Calving losses have been reported as higher than normal in areas of northern Iowa due mostly to poor weather conditions.
Jennifer Carrico can be reached at 515-833-2120 or [email protected].
