In Iowa topsoil moisture levels rated at 10% very short, 27% short, 61% adequate and 2% surplus. Subsoil moisture levels for Iowa rated at 13% very short, 39% short, 46% adequate and 2% surplus. While in Minnesota, topsoil moisture levels rate at 12% very short, 32% short, 53% adequate and 3% surplus. Subsoil moisture levels in Minnesota were at 7% very short, 33% short, 57% adequate and 3% surplus.

Statewide in Iowa, 86% of the expected corn crop has been planted, ten days ahead of the 5-year average. Corn emergence improved to 22% complete, an increase of 20% from the previous week. Soybean planting was 67% completed, 15 days ahead of the 5-year average. Minnesota corn crop was 85% planted with 8% emergence. Planting is well past the 5-year average of 53% planted and but below the 5-year average for emergence of 13%. Soybean planting in Minnesota was 65% completed well ahead of the 25% 5-year average.

Dry conditions during planting and for weeks after planting will cause irregular emergence of both corn and soybeans. Some seeds may have been planted in enough moisture to get them going and some may have been planted in dry soil. Add cold nighttime temperatures and it will delay emergence even longer. The good news is that if we get an inch or more of rain and warm temperatures soon, the late germinating or emerging plants will get started right away and grow fast. But this needs to happen within the next week or irregular plant size will persist well into the summer.

*Information obtained from May 10, 2021 USDA, NASS report