(Des Moines, IA) – Iowa farmers are heading into spring planting with middling conditions, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in its first Crop Progress and Condition Report of the 2026 season. For the week ending April 5, producers had only 2.9 days suitable for fieldwork, which focused primarily on field equipment preparations before planters start rolling.
Many farmers are entering the season with a sense of trepidation, as economic headwinds continue to weigh heavily on the ag sector. Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig says, “As I travel the state, farmers confirm that they’re feeling the pressure from the tough ag economy, with high input costs and low commodity prices. Despite these challenges, spring represents a time of hope, optimism, and the potential for a productive season ahead.”
Widespread rainfall across most of the state stifled fieldwork, but it helped restore limited soil moisture following a warm and dry winter. Topsoil moisture conditions rated 23 percent short to very short, 63 percent adequate, and 14 percent surplus. Corn and soybean planting was not yet at reportable levels statewide as of April 5, matching last year’s pace.
Regarding crop insurance customers, the early planting dates for corn are April 10, and for soybeans, April 15. The statewide average temperature for the week was 48 degrees, about 4.4 degrees above normal, while weekly precipitation averaged 2.31 inches statewide, more than triple the normal total of 0.65 inches.
