DES MOINES – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey today commented on the Iowa Crops and Weather report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistical Service. The report is released weekly from April through October. “Planting progress continues, but warmer weather is still needed to aid emergence,” Northey said. “Both field work and crop development are well ahead of last year, but are either right inline with or slightly behind the five-year average. So, we need continued good weather so farmers can stay in the fields.” The weekly report is also available on the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s website at www.IowaAgriculture.gov . The report follows here: WARMER WEATHER DESIRED Agricultural Summary: Much of the Iowa received rain again last week. However, a few areas report the need for a few light showers to help break crusted ground. Spotty hail occurred with some damage reported. A common refrain from farmers is the desire for warmth to aid in emergence. There were 3.1 days suitable for fieldwork during the week, compared to the five-year average of 4.1 days. Topsoil moisture rated 1 percent short, 71 percent adequate, and 28 percent surplus across the state. Subsoil moisture rated 1 percent short, 69 percent adequate, and 30 percent surplus. Field Crops Report: Corn planting progressed to 81 percent complete, 10 days ahead of last year’s pace, and two days ahead of the five-year average. Twenty-four percent of the corn acres have emerged compared with 2 percent last year. Normally, 23 percent has emerged by this date. Ninety-eight percent of the oat acreage has been planted and 73 percent has emerged. Although the planting pace is slightly ahead of the five-year average, emergence continues to trail the average by two percentage points. Oat condition rated 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 26 percent fair, 55 percent good, and 14 percent excellent. Soybean planting advanced to 21 percent complete, ahead of last year’s pace but five percentage points behind the five-year average. Northwest and west central areas have over one-quarter of their soybean crops planted. Only one percent of the State’s soybean crop has emerged. Fertilizer applications are 95 percent complete, 10 percentage points ahead of last year, and two percentage points ahead of the five-year average. Livestock, Pasture and Range Report: Pasture and range condition rated 1 percent very poor, 6 percent poor, 30 percent fair, 50 percent good, and 13 percent excellent. Some cows have been turned out on grass.