Spring fieldwork in Iowa has slow start

DES MOINES ? Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey commented Monday on the Iowa Crops and Weather report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistical Service. 

?Spring field work is getting off to a slow start as wet conditions are limiting the ability of farmers to get in the field,? Northey said.

The arrival of April often triggers extensive field work. This year field work is off to a slower start than last year. Many are waiting for fields to warm up and dry out enough to support machinery. Smoke was a common sight over the weekend as many took advantage of the opportunity to burn fence rows, ditches and some Conservation Reserve Program land for mid-contract management.

There were 2.0 days suitable for fieldwork during the past week. Topsoil moisture levels rated 1 percent very short, 4 percent short, 80 percent adequate, and 15 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture rated 0 percent very short, 3 percent short, 81 percent adequate, and 16 percent surplus. Areas in northern Iowa have snow remaining in shady areas or low-lying ditches where it had drifted as well as frost remaining in the ground.

Oat acreage planted was 6 percent complete, behind both last year?s 25 percent and the five-year average of 9 percent. Little planting has taken place in the northern one-third of the state. Throughout the state, most field work has involved anhydrous and dry fertilizer application. Some tillage and manure hauling also is taking place.

Pasture and range condition rated 5 percent very poor, 14 percent poor, 44 percent fair, 32 percent good, and 5 percent excellent. Pastures have been slow to develop with some still dormant. Calving has gone well for most with below average losses.

The Iowa Crops and Weather report, which is released weekly from April through October, is available on the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship?s website at www.IowaAgriculture.gov or or on USDA?s site at www.nass.usda.gov/ia.