Iowa, Nebraska Crops Rated Mostly Good Amid Widespread Dry Conditions

The Midwest farming regions, including Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, and Arkansas, are experiencing mixed crop conditions characterized by drought stress, cool weather, and delayed planting. In Iowa, despite 71% of the state facing abnormally dry or moderate drought conditions, crops like corn, soybeans, oats, and hay remain mostly rated good to excellent, with farmers anticipating warmer temperatures and rain to improve growth. Nebraska and Kansas report corn and soybean emergence near or ahead of average, though pasture conditions vary widely, with Nebraska facing poorer pasture ratings compared to Kansas. Arkansas faces significant planting challenges due to persistent wet weather, leading to prevent plant decisions on some acres and delayed fieldwork, while crop ratings for cotton, corn, rice, and soybeans remain mostly good but with notable variability. Central Nebraska farmers highlight cool weather as a limiting factor for crop development, causing uneven emergence and smaller, less vigorous plants, with hopes that upcoming warmer temperatures will aid growth. Overall, while crop conditions are generally stable, regional dryness, wetness, and cooler-than-normal temperatures are influencing crop progress and pasture quality across these agricultural states.