Dave DeWitte, CR Gazette –
Iowa farmers were able to plant a significant amount of corn last week despite some weather drama.
The week was the wettest since June 2011, with statewide average rainfall of 1.99 inches. Severe storms hit 26 southern Iowa counties Saturday with hail, high winds, brief torrential rain and several tornadoes.
Five percent of the state’s corn crop had been planted as of Sunday, according to the USDA’s weekly crop report, compared to an average 3 percent at the same time of year.
Oat planting was 87 percent complete, compared to a historic average of 40 percent, and 45 percent of the oat acreage had emerged.
Farmers had 4.5 days suitable for field work on average, the USDA reported. Topsoil moisture levels across Iowa were 6 percent very short, 21 percent short, 6t6 percent adequate and 7 percent surplus.
