DES MOINES — Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey commented Monday on the Iowa Crops and Weather report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistical Service.
“Fieldwork and planting slowed with the cool wet weather that was seen last week, but will likely begin in earnest with several days of warm, dry weather forecast for the week ahead,” Northey said.
Rain events and cool weather slowed planting in Iowa during the week ending April 26, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Activities for the week included manure hauling, tillage, anhydrous application and limited planting.
Topsoil moisture levels improved to 0 percent very short, 10 percent short, 80 percent adequate and 10 percent surplus. It was the first April week since 2011 with no topsoil rated very short.
Fourteen percent of the corn acreage has been planted, just ahead of last year, but four days behind the 5-year average. Farmers in central Iowa led the way with more than one-quarter of their corn crop planted.
Pasture condition improved to 56 percent good to excellent. Pastures continued to green up, though cool weather has slowed growth. Cattle and hog conditions were reported as good. Poultry producers were concerned with the recent outbreak of avian influenza.