Corn and soy emerging earlier than average

DES MOINES — Isolated rain showers during the week led to 5.8 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending June 4, 2023, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Farmers were still planting some corn and soybeans this week, however nearly all planting activities are finished.

There were limited reports of crop replanting in certain fields. Other field activities included cutting hay and spraying emerging crops.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 13 percent very short, 42 percent short, 44 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 12 percent very short, 41 percent short, 46 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus.

Following an unusually early and quick planting season this year, corn emergence reached 94 percent, one week ahead of last year and eight days ahead of the 5-year average. Corn condition declined 5 percentage points to 72 percent good to excellent.

Ninety-eight percent of Iowa’s expected soybean crop has been planted, 10 days ahead of last year and two weeks ahead of normal. Eighty-seven percent of soybeans have emerged, 10 days ahead of last year and 12 days ahead of the average. Soybean condition rated 70 percent good to excellent.

Thirty-eight percent of the oat crop has headed, eight days ahead of last year and the average. Oat condition declined to 70 percent good to excellent.

Seventy-eight percent of the State’s first cutting of alfalfa hay has been completed, 12 days ahead of the 5-year average. Hay condition fell 6 percentage points to 52 percent good to excellent. Pasture condition dropped to 42 percent good to excellent. Some livestock producers have already had to feed hay due to drying pastures.