The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has released its weekly crop progress and condition report for the week of May 9 – 15, 2022.

Significantly drier and warmer weather allowed Iowa’s farmers 5.2 days suitable for field work during the week ending May 15th, according to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service.  Field activities included spraying and planting.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 1 percent very short, 11 percent short, 81 percent adequate and 6 percent surplus.  Subsoil moisture condition rated 4 percent very short, 20 percent short, 70 percent adequate and 6 percent surplus.

Farmers planted 43 percent of Iowa’s expected corn crop during the week ending May 15th, to reach 57 percent planted, two weeks behind last year and 9 days behind the five year average.  Eight percent of the corn has emerged, 11 days behind last year and 9 days behind average.

Thirty-four percent of soybeans have been planted, just over 2 weeks behind last year and one week behind the 5-year average.  Just three percent of soybeans have emerged, 10 days behind the previous year and 6 days behind average.  Eighty-nine percent of the expected oat crop has been planted, 16 days behind last year and 10 days behind the 5-year average.  Fifty-eight percent of the oat crop has emerged, 11 days behind last year and one week behind average.