Wet weather delays planting, spraying statewide

Wet weather during the week that ended Sunday sharply reduced the number of days suitable for fieldwork statewide, forcing many Iowa farmers to delay planting and spraying.

Topsoil moisture levels increased to 3 percent short, 74 percent adequate and 23 percent surplus, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statisics Service. Subsoil moisture levels were rated 1 percent very short, 7 percent short, 79 percent adequate and 13 percent surplus.

Cattle producers have concerns about muddy feedlots. Crop farmers are evaluating the need to replant corn in low-lying areas.

Ninety-six percent of this year's corn crop has been planted, a day ahead of last year, and three days ahead of the five-year average. Southwest Iowa remains well behind the other districts with just 81 percent planted, while northwest, north central and central Iowa are virtually complete.

Corn emerged reached 81 percent, six days ahead of last year and four days ahead of normal.

The first corn condition rating of the season was 1 percent poor, 20 percent fair, 63 percent good, and 16 percent excellent.

Soybean planting reached 70 percent complete, behind last year's pace for the first time this year. Thirty-two percent of the soybean crop has emerged, slightly ahead of last year and normal.

The first cutting of alfalfa hay advanced to 11 percent complete. Hay conditions improved slightly to 81 percent good to excellent.

At the Fort Atkinson Hay Market, the top price of $190 per ton was paid for three loads of small square bales. Overall sale average was down about $7 to $8 per ton on lower quality consignments.

There were lots of comments about how good the new crop is looking as farmers wait for good weather to try to get any baling done.