Bill Northey Iowa Secretary of Agriculture

DES MOINES – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey commented on the Iowa Crops and Weather report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistical Service. The report is released weekly from April through October.

“Some farmers have been able to get a start of spring field work, but it is quite limited due to the wet conditions. We are probably still a week or two away from widespread planting and will need some warm, dry weather beforehand famers are able to get started statewide,” Northey said. “It is an exciting time on the farm as farmers are looking forward to the new growing season.”

CROP REPORT

Cool temperatures and rain hampered field work during the week ending April 3, 2016, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Statewide there were 2.3 days suitable for fieldwork. However the northern one-third of Iowa, as well as the southeast corner, had less than 2.0 days suitable for fieldwork. Producers continued to apply dry fertilizer, manure, and anhydrous when able.

Topsoil moisture levels rated 0 percent very short, 1 percent short, 81 percent adequate and 18 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 0 percent very short, 1 percent short, 86 percent adequate and 13 percent surplus. Northwest Iowa reported the highest surplus subsoil moisture level at 26 percent, with standing water in some low areas.

Thirteen percent of oats have been planted, equal to last year’s progress, but 3 days behind the 5-year average.

Pasture condition rated 1 percent very poor, 6 percent poor, 38 percent fair, 49 percent good and 6 percent excellent. Pastures were starting to green but reporters haven’t seen much growth yet. Livestock conditions were described as normal for the week. Calving and lambing activities were on-going.

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