Despite Wet Weather, MN & Iowa Farmers Make Good Planting Progress Last Week

Parts of the state received large amounts of precipitation, but overall Minnesota farmers had 4.0 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending May 14th, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Topsoil moisture supplies were rated 7% short to very short, 66% adequate and 27% surplus.

Corn planting reached 61% complete, 8 days ahead of last year and 1 day ahead of the 5 year average.  Corn emergence reached 15%.

Soybean planting was 30% complete, 8 days ahead of last year, but 3 days behind the 5 year average.  Soybean emergence reached 4%.

In Iowa, warm, but wet weather meant Iowa farmers had just 3.6 days suitable for fieldwork last week.

Topsoil moisture supplies were rated 17% short to very short, 76% adequate and 7% surplus.

Eight-six percent of Iowa’s expected corn crop has been planted, 8 days ahead of last year and 1 week ahead of the 5 year average.  Thirty five percent of the corn crop has emerged, 6 days ahead of last year and 2 days ahead of average.

One-fifth of Iowa’s expected soybean crop was planted last week for a total of 69% planted, just over a week ahead of both last year and the 5 year average.  Nineteen percent of the soybeans have emerged, 9 days ahead of last year and 5 days ahead of average.