(Des Moines) Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented on the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The report is released weekly from April through November.
“Soil temperatures are slowly warming up, the crop insurance coverage window will soon be opening, and a more active weather pattern is helping to replenish some soil moisture,” said Secretary Naig.
According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, another week of colder-than-normal temperatures, rain, and snow left Iowa farmers with 2.8 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending April 7, 2024. Minimal fieldwork was done during the week, but some producers could apply anhydrous, manure, and dry fertilizer. High winds prevented producers from spraying fertilizer towards the end of the week.
The moisture condition of the topsoil was rated 14 percent very short, 35 percent short, 47 percent adequate, and 4 percent surplus. The moisture condition of the subsoil was rated 26 percent very short, 38 percent short, 34 percent adequate, and 2 percent surplus.
Oats seeding reached 32 percent complete, six days ahead of last year and one week ahead of the 5-year average. Oats emerged and reached 4 percent complete.
There have been no reports of cattle turning out onto pastures as the pastures continue to green up. Calving was in full swing, with reports of mud in some areas.
The weekly report is also available on the USDA’s website at nass.usda.gov.
