Scattered showers across Iowa allowed farmers 3.8 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending May 19, 2024, according to the USDA. Farmers were planting corn and soybeans as well as cutting hay. Some replanting has occurred due to drowned out areas in fields. Topsoil moisture condition rated 1 percent very short, 6 percent short, 77 percent adequate and 16 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 4 percent very short, 14 percent short, 73 percent adequate and 9 percent surplus.

Seventy-eight percent of Iowa’s expected corn crop has been planted, 8 days behind last year and 4 days behind the 5-year average. Forty-seven percent of the corn crop has emerged, 2 days behind of last year but equal to normal. Sixty-one percent of Iowa’s expected soybean crop has been planted, a week behind last year and 2 days behind the normal. Nearly one-quarter of the soybean crop has emerged, 3 days behind last year but equal to the average.

Zach Tomesch, News Director KFJB