Corn and soybean planting is ahead of the five-year average across the state, and southeast Iowa farmers are tracking ahead of the state figures. According to the weekly crop progress report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 80% of corn in southeast Iowa has been planted and 44% has emerged, ahead of the five-year average of 69% planted and 23% emerged. Statewide, corn planting is about eight days ahead of last year and three days ahead of the five-year average.

In regards to soybeans, 71% have been planted in southeast Iowa with 29% emerged, ahead of the five year average of 52% and 9% respectively. Soybean planting across the state is 10 days ahead of last year.

Last week’s warm and dry weather made for ideal planting conditions, and farmers had 6.4 days suitable for fieldwork.

Pasture and range conditions are rated at 14% excellent, 50% good, 30% fair, and 6% poor to very poor across the state.