The U.S.D.A. crop report shows some farmers have been able to get their planters into the field. The report says 5% of Iowa’s corn acreage has been planted in the early going, which compares with 1% at this time last year. It’s also ahead of the 5-year average of 3%.
The report says widespread rain improved moisture levels throughout the state — with topsoil moisture levels improving so only 6% is very short and, 21% short of soil moisture. Subsoil moisture also improved, with 53% of the state reporting it is adequate and 2% surplus.
The report says the cold weather did raise some concerns, as farmers fear hay growth was affected after most of the state received a hard freeze in the early part of last week.