Dry conditions helped Iowa farmers as days suitable for fieldwork increased to 5.9 for the week ending April 13, 2025, according to the USDA. Fieldwork included tillage, seeding oats, and applying anhydrous, manure and dry fertilizer. There were also reports of corn and soybeans being planted.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 7 percent very short, 24 percent short, 68 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 9 percent very short, 31 percent short, 59 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus.

Oats seeding reached 47 percent complete, 3 days behind last year but 3 days ahead of the 5-year average. Six percent of the expected oat acreage has emerged, 5 days behind last year but equal to the average.

Zach Tomesch, News Director KFJB