x
Breaking News
More () »

Ag in the AM: Drying is Needed for Area Fields

41-percent of eastern Iowa farmers and a quarter of the farmers in northwest Illinois say the fields are too wet

DES MOINES, Iowa - As you might expect, all this rain is causing new problems at area farms.

The next few days of drying out is good news for area farmers.

41-percent of eastern Iowa farmers, and a quarter of the farmers in northwest Illinois, are saying the same thing: the fields are too wet.   In some areas, field work will be further delayed until the soil dries out a bit.

Right now, the statistical survey of farmers finds:

  • 59% of east central Iowa farmers say topsoil moisture is adequate
  • 41% say there is a surplus
  • 73% of northwest Illinois farmers say soil moisture is adequate
  • 26% see a surplus of top soil moisture

But there is progress with the corn crop.

About half of the eastern Iowa corn crop is now planted. 14-percent is emerging. That's a little behind the statewide average.

In Illinois, almost 90-percent of the corn crop is in the ground with almost two-thirds of it emerging.   It's way ahead of last year's averages in both states.

Specifically:

  • 53% of eastern Iowa corn is planted
  • 14% of the crop has emerged
  • 64% of the Iowa corn crop is now planted
  • 89% of the Illinois corn crop is planted
  • 64% has emerged

Before You Leave, Check This Out