Iowa farmers had 4.7 suitable days for fieldwork last week, according to the latest Crop Progress and Conditions report from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Field activities last week included applying anhydrous and dry fertilizer, spreading manure, tilling fields, and planting. Most Iowa farmers continue to wait for warmer temperatures, though 4% of the state’s corn crop has been planted. Nearly two-thirds of Iowa’s expected oat crop has been planted, five days ahead of last year and six days ahead of the five-year average. Topsoil moisture levels rated 6% very short, 23% short, 67% adequate, and 4% surplus, and subsoil moisture levels rated 10% very short, 32% short, 54% adequate, and 4% surplus. Pasture conditions rated 47% good to excellent, and some cattle have already been moved to pasture.