The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has released its weekly crop progress and condition report for the week of May 23 – 29, 2022.

A few days of welcome rainfall meant Iowa farmers had 4.1 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending May 29th.  Field activities included planting, cutting hay, and applying chemicals.

Topsoil moisture conditions rated 1 percent very short, 10 percent short, 80 percent adequate and 9 percent surplus.  Subsoil moisture conditions rated 2 percent very short, 18 percent short, 74 percent adequate and 6 percent surplus.

Planting is almost complete, wit h94 percent of Iowa’s expected corn crop planted, 13 days behind last year but equal to the 5-year average.  Seventy-three percent of the corn has emerged, 6 days behind last year and 2 days behind the average.  Iowa’s first corn condition rating of the crop year was 0 percent very poor, 1 percent poor, 13 percent fair, 71 percent good and 15 percent excellent.

Eighty-five percent of soybeans have been planted, 11 days behind last year but 6 days ahead of the 5-year average.  Forty-five percent of soybeans have emerged, 8 days behind last year, and 1 day behind the average.  Ninety percent of the crop has emerged, 11 days behind last year and one week behind the 5-year average.

Ten percent of the oat crop has headed, 5 days behind last year.  Iowa’s oat condition improved to 82 percent good to excellent.