The Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service this week revealed that 49% of corn and 38% of soybeans in Iowa have been planted.

“Farmers in some parts of the state have been dealing with wet field conditions after a rainy end to April. The first few days of May have been more favorable for farmers to get back into the fields,” Secretary Mike Naig stated in a press release. “With the next week or two looking generally warmer and drier, conditions should allow for farmers to make significant planting progress.” 

Last week, rain kept farmers out of the field for all but 3.2 days, delaying planting in many parts of the state, the report stated. Corn planted is three days ahead of last year but two days behind the five-year average. Corn emerged reached 10%, two days ahead of last year’s pace and three days ahead of normal. Soybeans are one week ahead of last year and two days ahead of the five-year average. Soybeans emerged reached 5%.