Recent rainfall pushed back drought, but slowed planting

DES MOINES — Southeast Iowa is mostly out from under a drought that’s plagued the region for months, according to agricultural and environmental experts.

The latest USDA Crop Progress & Condition Report for the state said 28% of Southeast Iowa had a surplus of topsoil moisture as of May 5, 2024, as did 12% of its subsoil. Both are higher than state moisture levels, at 19% and 9%, respectively.

The showers have slowed planting progress, however. The USDA said Iowa farmers had an average of just 1.4 days suitable for fieldwork last week.

“Just 8% of Iowa’s expected corn crop was planted during the week ending May 5 … this meant progress went from ahead of average to lagging 2 days behind both last year and the 5-year average,” the report said. “Soybean planting progress fell behind the previous year with 5 percent of Iowa’s expected soybean crop planted during the week … 2 days behind last year.”

Still, the precipitation offers long-awaited relief from a drought that’s plagued regional farmers since early last summer.

As of April 30, the Iowa Drought Monitor showed 0% of Jefferson County under drought conditions, although 22.54% of the county remained “abnormally dry.” That’s a stark contrast from the severe drought conditions that covered 100% of the county from June 20 to Jan. 23, and the “extreme drought” which blanketed the area over that winter.

Since mid-April, Henry County has bounced back from a drought that covered over half its area for almost a year, starting in late May of 2023. The county is now entirely clear of abnormally dry condition, according to the monitor.

Washington County remains slightly worse for ware, with abnormal dryness along its northern edge and 9.5% of the county, northwest of Wellman, still classified under a moderate drought. That’s still the smallest drought area recorded there since June 6 of 2023.

An Iowa Environmental Mesonet data station in Wellman has recorded 2.46 inches of precipitation so far in May, already exceeding last year’s monthly total at the site by 0.15. Another station in Crawfordsville has recorded 0.72 inches since May 1.

State Climatologist Justin Glisan said in the USDA report that the latest downpours were abnormal, with statewide rainfall totals more than double the five-year average for the week.

“Unseasonably wet conditions continued through the reporting period with several disturbances crossing the state,” he said. “Rain on already saturated ground produced flooding in pockets of northern and southeastern Iowa.”

As for Southeast Iowa’s crop progress, the USDA said 30% of the region’s corn had been planted, along with 26% of its soybeans and 88% of its oats. All are behind the statewide numbers, of 47%, 30% and 96%, respectively.

The first hay condition rating of the season was 1% very poor, 3% poor, 21% fair, 64% good and 11% excellent. Pasture conditions rated 57% good to excellent across the state.

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com