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Weather good for crops, livestockSpring tillage and anhydrous application continued to progress during the week ending April 16, according to the Iowa Agricultural Statistics Service, April 17. Most oat and CRP seeding reports were in Northern Iowa and corn planters were beginning to roll in the central and southern tiers of counties. There were reports of soggy spots in fields requiring farmers to work around the low areas. Some producers report having much of their corn planted while other producers are holding back to avoid compacting the soil. There were 4.7 days suitable for fieldwork, compared to 3.3 days last year at this time. Topsoil moisture rated 4 percent very short, 11 percent short, 70 percent adequate, and 15 percent surplus across the state. Subsoil moisture rated 9 percent very short, 24 percent short, 56 percent adequate, and 11 percent surplus. Soil moisture levels were mostly adequate and slightly wetter than last year. Oat seedings were 55 percent complete with only 5 percent emerged, well behind last year's progress of 85 percent seeded and 28 percent emerged. The five-year average is 12 percent emerged. Corn planting was beginning around the state with 3 percent planted compared to 5 percent last year and for the five-year average. Primary seedbed preparations were 46 percent complete compared to 64 percent last year and 55 percent for the five-year average. Fertilizer applications, at 70 percent, remain 11 percentage points behind last year but 3 percentage points ahead of the five-year average. Pasture and range condition is normal for this time of year rating 8 percent very poor, 9 percent poor, 35 percent fair, 40 percent good and 8 percent excellent. Pastures are greening up and becoming firmer. Weather has been good for spring calves and sheep. Only a few complaints about the unseasonably high temperatures as stress factors were received. Date: 4/18/06
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