Soybean planting ahead of averages

Iowa

Farmers' wishes for warmer weather were granted in much of the state during the week ending May 21, as temperatures soared into the nineties in some areas, according to the Iowa Agricultural Statistics Service, May 22.

There were 5.1 days suitable for fieldwork last week, compared to 3.4 days last year at this time. Most of the state saw great progress in fieldwork as a result of the cooperative conditions.

Approximately one-third of Iowa's soybean acreage was planted last week. Topsoil moisture rated 1 percent very short, 15 percent short, 77 percent adequate, and 7 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture rated 4 percent very short, 16 percent short, 73 percent adequate, and 7 percent surplus across the state.

Oats emerged were 98 percent, slightly behind last year's 100 percent and equal to the five-year average.

Corn planted reached 98 percent, 4 percent ahead of the five-year average and aligned with last year's 98 percent. Statewide, corn emerged averaged 71 percent, equivalent to the previous year's progress reported and 7 percent ahead of the five-year average. The presence of cutworms has been noted.

Soybeans planted increased to 74 percent this week, ahead of both the five-year average of 60 percent and last year's pace of 66 percent. Soybean emergence is at 14 percent statewide, which is behind both previous year's progress of 19 percent and the five-year average of 18 percent. Emergence has been hindered by the persistent cool weather. Bean leaf beetles are already being reported in some areas. The first alfalfa harvest is 9 percent complete across the state.

Pasture and range condition rated 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 20 percent fair, 56 percent good and 19 percent excellent. Livestock conditions are good around the state.

Date: 5/23/06

	Web hpj.com

Copyright/Privacy
Copyright 1995-2008.  High Plains Publishers, Inc.  All rights reserved.  Any republishing of these pages, including electronic reproduction of the editorial archives or classified advertising, is strictly prohibited. If you have questions or comments you can reach us at High Plains Journal 1500 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd., P.O. Box 760, Dodge City, KS 67801 or call 1-800-452-7171. Email: webmaster@hpj.com