Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented on the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The report is released weekly April through November. Additionally, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship provides a weather summary each week during this time.
“Our hearts go out to all the Iowans and communities who have been affected by the recent rounds of devastating severe weather. The outpouring of support for those affected highlights the remarkable strength of our state and its people. Iowans are resilient and we will get through this together,” said Secretary Naig. “Planting progresses as conditions allow, but many farmers continue to face delays. Outlooks into the first week of June show elevated chances of warmer temperatures and near-normal rainfall chances, which hopefully will lead to conditions more favorable for field work.”
The weekly report is also available on the USDA’s website at nass.usda.gov.
Crop Report
Severe weather including heavy rains, tornadoes, and derecho conditions limited Iowa farmers to 2.3 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending May 26, 2024, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Planting corn and soybeans, and cutting hay was limited. Topsoil moisture condition rated 0 percent very short, 3 percent short, 71 percent adequate and 26 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 2 percent very short, 9 percent short, 72 percent adequate and 17 percent surplus. Corn planted reached 88 percent. Sixty-six percent of the corn crop has emerged. The first corn condition rating of the season was 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 22 percent fair, 54 good and 19 percent excellent. Seventy-three percent of Iowa’s expected soybean crop has been planted, 10 days behind last year and 3 days behind the normal. Soybeans emerged reached 42 percent, 5 days behind last year. Ninety-five percent of the expected oat crop has emerged. Oats headed reached 31 percent, 6 days ahead of last year and almost 2 weeks ahead of the average. Oat condition improved 5 percentage points to 81 percent good to excellent. Alfalfa hay reached 20 percent complete. Hay condition rated 78 percent good to excellent. Pasture condition rated 72 percent good to excellent. Reports of flooded fields were received throughout the State.