Little or no precipitation and warm temperatures allowed Iowa farmers 6.6 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending May 18, 2025, according to the USDA. Topsoil moisture condition rated 8 percent very short, 37 percent short, 53 percent adequate and 2 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 6 percent very short, 34 percent short, 58 percent adequate and 2 percent surplus.
Corn planted reached 91 percent complete, 12 days ahead of last year and 4 days ahead of the 5-year average. Fifty-eight percent of corn had emerged, 5 days ahead of last year’s pace and 3 days ahead of normal.
Eighty-four percent of the expected soybean crop has been planted just over 2 weeks ahead of last year and 1 week ahead the 5-year average. Soybeans emerged reached 42 percent, 8 days ahead of last year and 6 days ahead of normal.
Eighty-six percent of the State’s oat crop has emerged. Oats headed reached 15 percent. Oat condition rated 0 percent very poor, 1 percent poor, 13 percent fair, 71 percent good and 15 percent excellent.

Zach Tomesch, News Director KFJB