Corn and soybean planting in Iowa is picking up steam after only minimal reports the previous week.
The USDA Crop Progress Report shows 24 percent of corn and 13 percent of soybeans are now planted in northwest Iowa. Corn planted statewide reached 18 percent, which is three days ahead of last year, and five days ahead of the five-year average. 11 percent of soybeans have been planted statewide, three days ahead of last year, and one week ahead of the average.
Along with corn, soybeans, and oats, fieldwork last week included tiling, building waterways, and spraying when winds allowed. Activities were slowed by precipitation later in the week. There were 5.5 days suitable for fieldwork in northwest Iowa and statewide.
62 percent of northwest Iowa topsoil has adequate moisture, with 36 percent short or very short, and two percent surplus.
63 percent of northwest Iowa subsoil had adequate moisture, with 35 percent short or very short, and two percent surplus.
