Conditions in both Iowa and Minnesota continued to stay dry. Iowa topsoil moisture levels rated 7% very dry, 27% short, 61% adequate and 5% surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 12% very short, 36% short, 48% adequate and 4% surplus in Iowa. Dry conditions continued in Minnesota with increased percentage in both very dry and short moisture for both topsoil and subsoil moisture levels. Topsoil moistures in Minnesota were rated at 14% very short, 37% short, 48% adequate and 1% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies in Minnesota were rated at 9% very short, 31% short, 58% adequate and 2% surplus.

Corn planting in Iowa is coming to an end with 94% complete, almost two weeks ahead of the 5-year average. During the week ending in May 16th corn emergence increased to 30% for 52% total emergence for the state. Soybean planting is 18 days ahead of the 5-year average with 83% of the crop planted. Dry conditions have contributed to emergence being 24%, one week ahead of the 5-year average. Minnesota's statewide corn planting is 95% completed, being over two weeks ahead of the 5-year average. Dry conditions have slowed emergence with 39% of the crop emerged by May 16, 2021. Emergence for corn in Minnesota is only two days ahead the 5-year average and slightly behind (four day) last year. Soybean planting in Minnesota saw 88% completion, just over a week ahead of last year and two weeks ahead of the 5-year average. Soybean emergence followed the corn trend emergence and reached 10%.

*Information and graphs obtained from May 17, 2021 USDA, NASS report