Northwest Iowa Crop Conditions

Field conditions have been a little wet for planting in most places, but warm and dry conditions this week will allow the majority of Iowa’s corn crop to be planted in the next 4 to 5 days. It is amazing how fast the crop can be planted with todays large equipment. Soil temperatures at 4 inches reached the mid 50’s today and should
continue to warm up. Expect corn to emerge in about two weeks or less. Corn that was planted in wet
field conditions could have problems with compaction, poor root development, nutrient availability, and early plant
growth.

Soybean planting will start as soon as the corn is done. If the weather stays dry most soybeans will be planted in
the next two weeks.

The grain markets are sliding lower with improved weather and planting progress. They have struggled recently
because of the large supply and strong U.S. dollar. The weather will be the biggest factor controlling the markets
for the next 4 to 5 months.