Drier conditions help field work begin early in week, but more rain

Iowa

The first part of the week ending April 20 most of Iowa experienced windy and drier conditions, as some fieldwork began, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Iowa Field Office, April 21.

By April 17 and 18, however, heavy rains added to the already saturated soil, pasture, and road conditions.

There were 1.2 days suitable for fieldwork, compared to 3.3 days last year at this time. Topsoil moisture rated zero percent very short, zero percent short, 41 percent adequate, and 59 percent surplus across the state. Subsoil moisture rated zero percent very short, zero percent short, 53 percent adequate, and 47 percent surplus.

Oat seeding was 15 percent complete, behind last year's and the five-year average of 46 percent and 75 percent, respectively. Oats emerged was three percent, behind last year's and the five-year average of five percent and 22 percent, respectively. Fertilizer application is 61 percent complete, which is 10 percentage points behind last year and 15 percentage points behind the five-year average.

Pasture and range condition rated six percent very poor, 17 percent poor, 45 percent fair, 28 percent good, and four percent excellent. Calving and lambing are ongoing with no major problems reported.

4/28/08
6 Star Midwest Ag\10-B

Date: 4/22/08

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