Virtually all Iowa corn planted, but water standing in some fields

Iowa farmers have finished planting virtually all of the corn crop, but standing water in some fields may require replanting.

Rain showers hindered fieldwork during the week that ended Sunday, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service. There were three days suitable for fieldwork, including planting and replanting.

Corn has emerged on 90 percent of the state's crop, two days ahead of last year and five days ahead of normal. Seventy-seven percent of the corn crop was rated in good to excellent condition.

Soybean planting was 88 percent complete, nine days ahead of last year, and 10 days ahead of normal. Soybean emergence reached 55 percent, three days ahead of last year and normal.

Topsoil moisture levels were rated 3 percent short, 82 percent adequate and 15 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels were rated 3 percent short, 81 percent adequate and 16 percent surplus. The western third of the state continues to have the highest percentage of surplus subsoil moisture.

'Wet weather continues to present challenges for farmers try to wrap up planting and conduct other field work,” Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey said in a news release. 'Corn planting is nearly complete, but replanting is ongoing and 12 percent of the soybean crop still needs to be planted.

'As we enter June, farmers will be very anxious to finish any remaining planting as soon as possible.”

Although frequent rains slowed progress, the first cutting of alfalfa hay was 35 percent complete, six days ahead of last year and five days ahead of the five-year average. Hay and pasture conditions were rated 78 percent good to excellent.

At the Dyersville Sales hay auction on May 25, the top price for new crop big square bales was $210 per ton. The top price for round bales was $117.50 per ton.

New crop hay bales carrying extra moisture were discounted.