An expert in Dallas County outlines how the weather is helping speed along the process of the spring planting season for farmers.

According to the Iowa Department of Agriculture’s Crop Progress and Condition Report, through mid-May, corn planted across the state is at 76 percent, which is eight days ahead of last year, and 64 percent of soybeans have been planted, as that is 10 days ahead of last year. Dallas County Iowa State University Extension Field Agronomist Meaghan Anderson says central Iowa is nearing the completion of planting season with the good weather that’s been in the area the past few weeks. Also, with the lack of rainfall throughout the state, Anderson highlights its been beneficial to the farmers, but identifies a few areas of concern.

“We are noticing that some of that early planted crop is still having some trouble getting out of the ground because of the rainfall we had in April. We can sometimes see, especially when we  get pounding rain or we have really powdery soil, we can see what’s called soil crusting, where it basically seals off the surface of the soil, and it becomes like a rock, (making) it can very difficult for corn and soybeans to push through that. And so one of the solutions for that is to get some rainfall to help loosen that soil back up and soften it, so that plant can get out of the ground.”

Anderson mentions that farmers should check their fields for alfalfa and to be mindful of certain pests out in the corn and soybeans fields. She notes that farmers should be on the lookout for grubs, black-cut worms, true armyworms, and beanleaf beetles. Anderson encourages farmers to get into the fields now while the weather is favorable and welcomes people to contact her at (319)-331-0058 with any questions.