News

Cool start slows Iowa corn planting

Corn planting is running slightly behind in Iowa this spring.

The USDA’s latest weekly crop progress report says one percent of the state’s intended acreage is planted, compared to the five-year average of two percent.

While there is no official planting progress for soybeans this week, Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig tells Brownfield there continues to be more interest in planting beans early.

“And there seems to be a reward for that early planted soybeans in some cases, so I think you’re going to see some folks push it. Hearing from our ag retailers and coops, we know that folks are wanting to get out there and get ready. Getting some spring anhydrous on and some spring fieldwork starting to happen.”

Last year at this time one percent of Iowa’s soybean crop was planted.