March 28 – April 3, 2022
DES MOINES, Iowa (April 4, 2022) – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented today on the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The report is released weekly April through November.
“Late season snow last week, along with recent rainfall, has helped ease drought conditions across portions of the state,” said Secretary Naig. “While April precipitation outlooks point to the possibility of wetter than normal conditions, near term temperatures are forecasted to remain colder than average.”
The weekly report is also available on the USDA’s website at nass.usda.gov.
Crop Report
Precipitation and cold conditions limited Iowa farmers to 1.6 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending April 3, 2022, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. When and where possible, fieldwork activities included applying anhydrous and fertilizer, spreading manure and planting oats.
Topsoil moisture levels rated 9 percent very short, 25 percent short, 58 percent adequate and 8 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 12 percent very short, 35 percent short, 49 percent adequate and 4 percent surplus.
Seven percent of the expected oat crop has been planted, 2 days behind last year but 2 days ahead of the 5-year average.
Pastures were still mostly dormant. Livestock conditions were generally good although feedlots were wet after the week’s rain. Producers report calving is continuing.