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Iowa corn planting 57 percent complete

Last week’s rains slowed planting progress in Iowa.

Statewide, just 17 percent of the corn crop was planted during the past week. But with 57 percent of the crop planted, progress remained eight days ahead of the five-year average. Farmers in north central and central Iowa have already planted over three-quarters of their corn crop.

Seven percent of the soybean acreage has been planted, five days ahead of the five-year average.

“The rain last week certainly slowed planting progress,” said Iowa ag secretary Bill Northey.
“It will take a few days for many parts of the state to dry back out, but with warmer temperatures and drier weather forecasted, many farmers will be hoping to be back planting by the end of the week.”

The first hay condition rating of the season was 70 percent good to excellent and 29 percent fair. Pasture condition rated 65 percent good to excellent, although some reports indicated low-lying pastures were saturated with some flooding. Livestock conditions were reported as tough with windy, wet and cool weather leaving feedlots saturated.