Weekly Iowa Crop Report, May 29, 2016

Rain showers hindered fieldwork in Iowa during the week ending May 29, 2016, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Statewide there were 3.0 days suitable for fieldwork. Standing water was reported in some fields. Field activities included planting and replanting.

Topsoil moisture levels rated 0 percent very short, 3 percent short, 82 percent adequate and 15 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 0 percent very short, 3 percent short, 81 percent adequate and 16 percent surplus. The western third of Iowa continues to have the highest percentage of surplus subsoil.

Virtually all of Iowa’s corn crop has been planted. Corn emerged reached 90 percent, 2 days ahead of last year and 5 days ahead of normal. Seventy-seven percent of the corn crop was rated in good to excellent condition. Soybean planting reached 88 percent complete, 9 days ahead of last year, and 10 days ahead of normal. Soybean emergence reached 55 percent, 3 days ahead of both last year and normal. Oats headed reached 24 percent this week, 9 days ahead of last year and one week ahead of the 5-year average. Oat condition rated 82 percent good to excellent.

Although frequent rains slowed progress, the first cutting of alfalfa hay was 35 percent complete, 6 days ahead of last year and 5 days ahead of the 5-year average. Both hay and pasture conditions rated 78 percent good to excellent. Livestock conditions were described as good with very little stress.

Source:  Iowa Dept of Ag