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Warm & dry conditions help Iowa’s planting, but not the crops

Last week’s warm and dry conditions helped Iowa’s farmers get a significant amount of planting completed, as USDA officials say 98% of the corn is planted and 94% of the soybeans are planted.

USDA’s Greg Thessen says 85% of the corn has emerged in Iowa, and 67% of the soybeans have emerged.  Ninety-seven percent of the state’s oats have also emerged. 

The first cutting of alfalfa has is now 52% cut, which is about two weeks ahead of normal.  The dryness has hay condition down eight points to 58% of the crop rated good to excellent.

Iowa’s topsoil moisture is 49% adequate, 40% short, and 10% very short.  Subsoil moisture is rated 53% adequate, 36% short, and 10% very short.