Weekly Crop Progress and Condition Report

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.

“Very hot temperatures and drier than normal conditions last week allowed farmers to make significant planting progress across much of Iowa,” said Secretary Naig. “As we look ahead, weather outlooks show promise in keeping planters rolling and farmers busy in the fields.”

The weekly report is also available on the USDA’s website at nass.usda.gov.

Crop Report
Significantly drier and warmer weather allowed Iowa’s farmers 5.2 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending May 15, 2022, according to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. Fieldwork activities included spraying and planting.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 1 percent very short, 11 percent short, 81 percent adequate and 7 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 4 percent very short, 20 percent short, 70 percent adequate and 6 percent surplus.

Farmers planted 43 percent of Iowa’s expected corn crop during the week ending May 15, 2022, to reach 57 percent planted, 2 weeks behind last year and 9 days behind the 5-year average. Eight percent of the corn crop has emerged, 11 days behind last year and 9 days behind average. Thirty-four percent of soybeans have been planted, just over 2 weeks behind last year and 1 week behind the 5-year average. Just 3 percent of soybeans have emerged, 10 days behind the previous year and 6 days behind average. Eighty-nine percent of the expected oat crop has been planted, 16 days behind last year and 10 days behind the 5-year average. Fifty-eight percent of the oat crop has emerged, 11 days behind last year and 1 week behind average.

Hay and pasture growth improved greatly with above normal temperatures. Iowa’s hay condition rating improved to 68 percent good to excellent. Some farmers have begun their first cutting of alfalfa. Pasture condition improved to 53 percent good to excellent. Livestock conditions were good as they were turned out from muddy feedlots to pasture, although feed stocks were low.