The Iowa Department of Agriculture released the latest Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report on May 19. Data is based on planting and growth May 12-18.

Many are watching crop progress this year, as Iowa’s agricultural exports are affected by tariffs, potential tariffs and other federal changes, such as cuts to USAID, which was a large source of income for farmers, as USAID bought Iowa corn and soybeans, which were then sent internationally as part of humanitarian aid programs. The industry has also experienced several difficult years because of increasing costs and drought conditions, among other variables. Agriculture makes up 22% of Iowa’s economic output.

Rain this week is needed by many farmers, said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig.

Iowa farmers made solid progress last week on planting. Warm, dry weather gave farmers 6.6 days in the field:

• Corn reached 91% complete, 12 days ahead of last year and four days ahead of the five-year average.
• With soybeans, 84% of the expected crop has been planted, just more than two weeks ahead of last year and one week ahead of the five-year average.