Last week’s dryer weather allowed farmers more time to get into the fields and plant. According to the USDA, there were 5.2 days suitable for fieldwork across Iowa, the first time this season they’ve had more than five days in one week to do so. Currently 87% of the corn in southeast Iowa is planted and 56% has emerged. The five-year average is 97% emerged by now. Soybeans are also behind the five-year average of 83% emerged with only 19% emerged in southeast Iowa. About 53% of soybeans have been planted in the district so far. While feedlots remain muddy, pasture conditions improved and rated at 66% good to excellent.