This past week finally provided a window for most across the state to get into fields and complete some fieldwork. However, that window was short-lived, as rainfall late last week and into early this week brought activity to a halt. Some early-planted crops are now emerging. In addition to weeds getting a good jump start, other pests being reported include slugs in cover crop fields and increasing alfalfa weevil activity. Read on for more specifics from ISU Extension and Outreach field agronomists as they share what they’re seeing and hearing across their regions
Leah Ten Napel (Region 1):
Cherokee, Ida, Lyon, Monona, O'Brien, Osceola, Plymouth, Sioux, Woodbury counties
"Planting progress in northwest Iowa had been progressing quickly. Planting, herbicide applications and fertilizer applications have all been taking place throughout the month. Rainfall events starting at the end of last week and continuing into this week halted a lot of that field activity. Most areas of northwest Iowa have received 2-4 inches of moisture throughout the month of April. Spring subsoil moisture survey results have been posted. Levels of moisture in the top 5 feet of soil are very typical for the springtime. To learn more about the results and weather in the area, check out the spring subsoil moisture survey results article. The relatively dry spring has allowed farmers to get a lot of their crops in the ground, and the recent moisture will be beneficial for germination. Pastures are greening up nicely. Winter annuals are fast-growing. Timely herbicide applications will be critical to clean fields clean all season long.”
Josh Michel (Region 5):
Allamakee, Buchanan, Clayton, Delaware, Dubuque, Fayette, Jones, Linn, Winneshiek counties
“Rain continues throughout northeast Iowa. Most of the region received 0.5 to 1 inch of precipitation last week, with some isolated heavier amounts of up to 1.5 inches around the Linn County area. Field operations have been kept to a minimum, with only a few select fields drying out just enough for pre-plant herbicide applications and planting to start. Soil temperatures continue to hover in the low to mid 50s but are forecasted to fall below 50 later this week. Alfalfa fields and pastures continue to green up and are looking good so far with the consistent rainfall and warm temperatures. There have been some isolated reports of minor alfalfa weevil feeding south of Hwy 20. The majority of field calls over the past week have centered around cover crop termination, weed management, soil temperatures and planting conditions.”
Meaghan Anderson (Region 7):
Boone, Dallas, Jasper, Madison, Marshall, Polk, Story, Tama, Warren counties
“Central Iowa farmers had their first real opportunity to get some planting done last week and took advantage of the nice weather before the rain later in the week. Most of central Iowa has received more than an inch of rain in the last week, with a few areas, especially Polk and Story counties, receiving more than two inches. The forecast looks drier (though cooler) for the next week, so I expect planting percentages to increase rapidly in the next report. I would estimate we are maybe 15% planted in central Iowa right now, with some areas higher and others lower. The earliest planted corn (sweet corn) and soybeans have just now emerged as of the last week. Weed populations continue to benefit from the delayed fieldwork; foxtails, woolly cupgrass, and velvetleaf are my most abundant finds so far.”
Rebecca Vittetoe (Region 8):
Iowa, Jefferson, Keokuk, Poweshiek, Washington, Johnson counties
"Last week, there was a brief window when some were able to get into the field for spraying and a little planting where conditions were fit. Unfortunately, that window was short-lived. Across the counties I cover, rainfall totals ranged from 1 to 2 inches from Monday (April 20) through Tuesday (April 28), with local amounts varying. The 7–10 day forecast is calling for drier, but cooler conditions. I expect field activity to begin picking up again toward the end of this week. Forages and unfortunately also the weeds (winter annuals and early-season annuals) have benefited from the recent rain. Since last Monday, I’ve caught a total of 11 black cutworm moths at the two sites I monitor. While I haven’t found much alfalfa weevil activity in the fields I’ve scouted, I have received a couple of reports noting increased activity this week. It’s a good reminder to get out and check your forages. Additionally, if you are planting into cover crop fields, keep an eye out for slugs, as there have also been reports of slug activity this spring.
Virgil Schmitt (Region 9):
Cedar, Clinton, Des Moines, Henry, Jackson, Lee, Louisa, Muscatine, Scott counties
“Last week, the counties I cover have generally received 0.5 inch or less of rain, except northwest Cedar County received about 1.5 inches of rain. A little fieldwork began midweek with many planters and sprayers running on Friday and over the weekend. I would guess that corn is about 10% planted. Forages continue to look good. Calls last week centered around weed management.”
Aaron Saeugling (Region 10):
Adair, Adams, Cass, Clarke, Decatur, East Pottawattamie, Fremont, Mills, Montgomery, Page, Ringgold, Taylor, Union, West Pottawattamie counties
“Late last week rain slowed planting progress down in most areas in western Iowa and southwest Iowa. With the cool weather some farmers delayed planting corn, so this year we have areas where soybean planting is ahead of corn planting. The recent rains have moved most of the area out of the drought monitor and in many cases the rainfall was a welcome site this spring. Heavy rain and large amounts of hail occurred along the Highway 30 corridor causing property damage in some areas. Alfalfa fields flattened by hail may be a little tougher to cut the first time. Pasture conditions have improved over the past few weeks and cows are going to grass a little earlier this year. Calving conditions were difficult this spring with cold temperatures, snowfall, and heavy rain causing muddy conditions for fresh calves. Most fieldwork has been completed with final fertilizer applications and spring tillage complete. Heavy corn residue has been a challenge for no-till this year due to poor residue decomposition this past winter. Early season burndown is slow on large cover crops and winter annuals but appears to be working—just taking a few more days due to cooler temperatures. I have not seen any crops emerging yet across this part of the state, I suspect some of the ultra-early planted crops are close to emerging. Look for insect activity, the weather has been warm enough for alfalfa weevil and cutworms."
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- Field Agronomist in EC/SE Iowa