IARN — National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) officials deemed five-point-three days suitable for field work during the week ending April 26.
Iowa farmers planted over one-third of the state’s expected corn crop and nine-percent of the expected soybean crop during such time. Soybean planting came in 10 days ahead of last year and one week ahead of the average, as farmers move “extremely fast.”
Jolene Riessen farms with her two sons near Ida Grove, located in Ida County. Today, the Riessens plan to wrap up spring planting.
“We got the corn in, in four days. There were some late nights with the boys. It all seemed to work and conditions were good. Right or wrong, we’re onto beans now. We’ll probably finish up beans today and then have one custom job left,” Riessen said.
Adequate soil conditions provided farmers early access to fields. Riessen points out “a night and day difference” between this spring and last.
“I remember wishing it would quit raining, so we could get the crop in the ground. This year, I wish we could get a little bit of that rain,” Riessen said.
Riessen celebrated “a first” this spring – Completing soybean planting by May 1. Riessen now looks forward to working on projects she did not have time for previously.
“Last year it was late and we continued to get rain,” Riessen said. “Getting alfalfa down in a timely fashion, fence rows sprayed and (other) projects done was a struggle last year. I’m looking forward to having extra time to be able to get jobs done.”
Story courtesy of the Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network.
