Warm, dry weather allowed Iowa farmers to advance planting well ahead of normal last week, according to the latest Crop Progress and Conditions Report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

There were 6.1 days suitable for field work last week, and farmers planted 39 percent of the expected corn crop, for a total of 78 percent of the crop planted. This is the first time since 2010 that at least three-quarters of the corn crop has been in the ground by May 3rd. Farmers planted over one-third of the soybean crop last week, for a total of 46 percent of the soybean crop planted, a full month ahead of last year, and over two weeks ahead of the five-year average. This also marks the highest proportion of soybeans planted by May 3rd since records began in 1974. Only six percent of the state’s expected oat crop is left to be planted, with 54 percent of the crop emerged. Cattle movement to pastures also increased this week, as pasture condition is currently rated 65 percent good to excellent.