The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released its weekly Iowa Crop Progress & Condition report Monday.
Iowa farmers were unable accomplish much fieldwork, due to below normal temperatures and snowfall in the northern half of the state. However, one-and-a-half days were deemed suitable for such work. Farmers applied anhydrous and dry fertilizer, as well as seeded oats when conditions allowed. A few scattered reports of corn planting were also recorded.
Twenty-three percent of the expected oat crop has been planted thus far. Oat planting came in roughly two weeks behind last year, as well as the five-year average. Below normal temperatures has delayed oat emergence. One-percent of the crop has been reported as emerged, the lowest level at this time since 2001.
The Upper Midwest Regional Field Office reports: Topsoil moisture levels rated three-percent very short, seven-percent short, 74% adequate and 16% surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated four-percent very short, 13% short, 72% adequate and 11% surplus.
Northern Iowa received a generous amount of snow. Southern Iowa could use some precipitation, South central Iowa is reported to be the driest.
Iowa livestock producers felt the pinch of an extended winter. Winter weather has delayed pasture development. Northern Iowa farmers also reported above normal calving losses.
