News

Slow start in Iowa, but things are looking up

Iowa farmers have some catching up to do on corn planting.

Very little corn has been planted in Iowa so far because of cold, wet and (in some cases) snowy weather. The state’s five-year average for corn planting by April 22nd is 11 percent.

Twenty-three percent of the expected oat crop has been planted, almost two weeks behind the five-year average. Just one percent of the has emerged, the lowest level at this time since 2001.

Extended winter conditions have also delayed pasture development. Calving losses have been reported as higher than normal in areas of northern Iowa.

But things are looking up, says Iowa ag secretary Mike Naig.

“Starting late last week more seasonal weather started to allow some farmers in southern Iowa to begin spring field work and do some planting,” says Naig. “Hopefully we will continue to see warmer temperatures and dryer weather so farmers across the state can get in the fields and start spring planting.”