Warmer and drier conditions early last week allowed farmers to make progress on field work, according to the latest Iowa Crop Progress and Conditions Report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Statewide there were 4.1 days suitable for fieldwork last week, which included applying anhydrous and dry fertilizer, spreading manure, and tilling fields. Besides planting oats, there were reports of corn and soybeans being planted. Topsoil moisture levels rated 0 percent very short, 2 percent short, 79 percent adequate, and 19 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 0 percent very short, 1 percent short, 80 percent adequate, and 19 percent surplus. Twenty-nine percent of the expected oat crop has been planted, which is five days ahead of last year, and one day ahead of the five-year average. Calving also continues in Iowa, with very few health problems reported.