(The Center Square) – Severe weather in Iowa halted crop planting late last week but the season is still ahead compared to last year, according to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.
Strong tornadoes caused “significant damage” through western and central Iowa last week, but brought “much needed rainfall,” according to the department’s weekly crop progress report.
Despite the U.S. Drought Monitor reporting over half of Iowa experiencing abnormally dry to extreme drought conditions during the month of April, planting for corn, soybeans, and oats is all running ahead of last year’s planting.
Corn planting is four days ahead of last year and three days ahead of the five-year average, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship said Monday. Similarly, soybean planting is four days ahead of last year and oat planting is five days ahead of last year with 90% of the expected oat crop already planted, according to the weekly crop report.
The storms that moved in on Friday cut the work week short, leaving Iowa farmers a little over 4 days of suitable weather for fieldwork last week, the report said.
Once the storms set in, several towns saw “substantial damage” with Pottawattamie County taking a direct hit where over 75 homes were damaged, according to the report.
“Our hearts go out to the Iowans and communities that suffered damage caused by the severe weather over the weekend. As they begin a long process of recovering and rebuilding, the outpouring of support from fellow Iowans is a reminder of how truly special our state and its people are,” said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. “The widespread weekend rain will likely pause some planting progress, but with an active weather pattern continuing as we head into May, farmers will be eager to get back in the field when conditions are right.”
Topsoil moisture conditions rated 68% adequate, 17% short, and 5% very short last week, according to the crop progress report. Subsoil moisture conditions rated 14% very short and 27% short with 53% rating adequate.
Last week saw pastures and hay ground greening up, but the report said they could use warmer temperatures to aid growth.
The Des Moines National Weather Service said it anticipates hazardous weather for parts of central Iowa beginning Tuesday afternoon with the potential for large hail, damaging winds, and more tornadoes. It also means more rain for the state as the National Weather Service said locally heavy rains are expected.