Wet Condition Slow Farmers in Minnesota and Iowa Last Week

Rains hampered planting progress across parts of Minnesota and most of Iowa last week, according to the USDA.

Minnesota farmers averaged 4.1 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending April 27^th.  The average was much lower in the south, where rains hampered planting.

Field activities included spring tillage, rock picking, manure hauling, fertilizer application and planting.

Corn planting was 26% complete, on pace with last year, but two days ahead of the five year average.  Soybean planting was at 13%, also keeping up with 2024 progress.  On average, since 2020, soybeans reached 13% planted on May 1^st.

Periodic rains throughout the week kept Iowa farmers at just 2.3 days suitable for fieldwork last week.

While needed, the precipitation slowed or stopped fieldwork and cool temperatures hampered crop emergence.

Corn planted reached 34%, 2 days ahead of the 5 year average.  Statewide, corn emerged was 2%.  Soybeans planted reached 25%, 1 day ahead of last year and 4 days ahead of the 5 year average.