Southeast Iowa Crop Conditions

Welcome to the 2017 crop year.

Even though the official crop insurance starting date to plant corn was April 11th, planting progress in Northwest Iowa has been slowed by cold, wet weather. We typically do not want to plant corn until 4 inch soil temps are 50degrees or higher with the forecast trending warmer. Soil temps did reach the 50 degree mark but the fore cast has not been favorable enough to get a lot of farmers excited about putting corn in the ground.

This week started out with highs in the 60’s and sun but the weather changed to cool and wet on Tuesday when rain moved in along with much below average temps. The forecast is calling for more moisture and night time temps dipping into the low 30’s for the next 5-6 days. Planting progress will likely begin late next week if soil conditions have improved enough and we avoid excessive rain amounts.

Grain markets are struggling to find a reason for improvement. Abundant 2016 supplies and excellent South American crops are holding prices down. A serious planting delay or widespread summer weather scare will be needed to see any real rally in the grain markets.