By: Matt Scher, matts@977thebolt.com
(KHBT) – The USDA released their report Monday on the status of planting this spring. As of April 30, Twenty-nine percent of Iowa’s expected corn crop has been planted, which is 11 days ahead of last year but 1 day behind the 5-year average. That compares with ten percent the previous week.
Sixteen percent of soybeans have been planted, 11 days ahead of last year and 1 day ahead of the average. The figure was at five percent a week ago.
Eighty-five percent of the expected oat crop has been planted, 2 weeks ahead of last year and 6 days ahead of normal. Twenty-nine percent of the oat crop has emerged, 1 week ahead of last year and 1 day ahead of the average.
The downside to the cool, dry weather is it is delaying the emergence of the seeds from the soil.
Some reports of cattle being let out to pasture were received again this week, although pasture regrowth is slow with the current weather pattern. Overall, livestock conditions continue to be good.