Storms, cold weather mark start of planting season

DES MOINES — Colder than normal temperatures for the week left Iowa farmers with 1.6 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending April 2, 2023, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Parts of the State still reported frost in the topsoil, while select counties in southern and Eastern Iowa experienced hail and tornadoes. Although minimal fieldwork occurred over the last week, some producers were able to apply anhydrous, manure, and dry fertilizer. A few instances of oat seeding were reported.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 2% very short, 15% short, 76% adequate and 7% surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 6% very short, 25% short, 64% adequate and 5% surplus.

Feedlots were drying out and calving continued. Overall livestock were faring well, although there were reports of livestock injuries from the severe weather in isolated areas.

“March ended like a lion with widespread severe thunderstorms as well as a tornado outbreak across several states, including at least 10 in Iowa,” State Climatologist Justin Glisan wrote in his weekly report. “Widespread rainfall was reported with these storms along with additional moisture from early week snow and rain; much of Iowa reported near to slightly below-average totals. Temperatures during the first reporting period of 2023 were up to 12 degrees below normal in the northwest with a statewide average temperature of 38.2 degrees, 5.1 degrees below normal.”