By Rebecca Vittetoe
While planting progressing had occurring in the western and northern part of the state, planters were finally able to roll across much of the entire state starting late last week and over the weekend. In addition to planting, other field activities including spraying and fertilizer applications are also taking place. Some of the first-planted corn and soybeans have now emerged. Insect activity is also beginning to pick up, with reports of alfalfa weevils increasing, especially in southeast Iowa. Read on for more specific updates from ISU Extension and Outreach Field Agronomists on what’s happening and what they are seeing in the counties they serve across the state.
Cherokee, Ida, Lyon, Monona, O'Brien, Osceola, Plymouth, Sioux, Woodbury counties
“Planting progress continues in northwest Iowa. Last week this region received between 0 and 1.5 inches of precipitation. Forecasted precipitation for the current week is very minimal. With continued dry weather, I estimate many farmers in our area will be getting close to done with planting in the next week. Early planted corn and soybeans are emerging. Stands look strong. Strong winds are delaying some herbicide applications, while weed growth is really ramping up”
Buena Vista, Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, Hancock, Kossuth, Palo Alto, Pocahontas, Winnebago counties
“Planting has rapidly progressed with good weather. Throughout the week planting continued and with corn nearing completion in many areas, the focus has shifted to soybeans. In some areas where fields were not fit due to past rainfall, around 30% of the soybeans are planted. In areas that missed past rainfall, I estimate close to half of the soybeans are planted. I did see corn just starting to emerge in a few areas. The subsoil moisture survey results were compiled for northwest Iowa—check them out. Dry weather is in the forecast for the next few days, and planting will progress rapidly across the area. Pastures are starting to green up with grass growing rapidly the past few days.”
Source : iastate.edu