In the week’s Crop Progress and Condition Report, isolated showers led to 5.8 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Nearly all planting activities are finished, however some farmers were still planting corn and soybeans this week. There were also limited reports of crop replanting in certain fields. Other field activities included cutting hay and spraying emergent crops.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 13 percent very short, 42 percent short, 44 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 12 percent very short, 41 percent short, 46 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus.

Corn emergence reached 94 percent, 1 week ahead of last year and 8 days ahead of the 5-year average. Corn condition declined 5 percentage points to 72 percent good to excellent. Ninety-eight percent of Iowa’s expected soybean crop has been planted, 10 days ahead of last year and 2 weeks ahead of normal. Eighty-seven percent of soybeans have emerged, 10 days ahead of last year and 12 days ahead of the average. Soybean condition rated 70 percent good to excellent. Thirty-eight percent of the oat crop has headed, 8 days ahead of last year and the average. Oat condition declined to 70 percent good to excellent.

Seventy-eight percent of the State’s first cutting of alfalfa hay has been completed, 12 days ahead of the 5-year average. Hay condition fell 6 percentage points to 52 percent good to excellent. Pasture condition dropped as well to 42 percent good to excellent. Some livestock producers have already had to feed hay due to drying pastures.

For a copy of all 2023 Crop Progress and Condition Reports, click here.