News

Wind, rain, and cold slow Iowa fieldwork

Cold and rainy conditions coupled with high winds kept many Iowa farmers from the fields last week.  USDA reporters say only 2.3 days were suitable for fieldwork in the week ending Sunday.

Most of the fieldwork getting done last week was fertilizer application, but there were a few reports of corn and soybeans getting planted.

Forty-seven percent of the state’s oats are planted.  Pastures are starting to green up, which is expected to help in areas where hay supplies are running low.

Iowa topsoil moisture is rated 67% adequate and 11% surplus, with subsoil levels at 58% adequate and 4% surplus.