Southeast Iowa Crop Conditions

The area to the Southeast of Storm Lake has made significant planting progress over the last week. They have been very fortunate compared to other parts of Northwest Iowa that continue to be saturated with water holding planting progress much behind normal. Today (Tuesday) looks to be the last day for any real progress this week as storms move in late today and cold/wet conditions are predicted for the remainder of the week. A few soybeans have been planted which should help yield potential in the fall but there is an entire growing season between now and then.

Markets have continued to take a beating as abundant supplies, poor ethanol margins, and the lack of any finalized trade deals continues to weigh on the markets. The lone bright spot has been the hog market as African Swine Fever has reduced China’s hog herd by an estimated 30%.

USDA’s weekly planting progress report estimated 23% of the nation’s corn crop planted as of Sunday, May5th. The five year average is 51%. Iowa was estimated to be 36% finished, which is very close to 2018’space. It is still a little early to write-off a good crop as we saw in 2018.

Soybean planting was estimated to be 6% done nationally (14% 5-year average) with Iowa at 8% complete(11% on average).

Corn planting in Calhoun County last Friday afternoon.