The average 4-inch soil temperatures are still below 50 degrees across much of Iowa as of April 12th. The northern portion of the state is still sitting around the low 40s, while much of the southern half of Iowa has soil temperatures in the upper 40s, with a few counties in south central Iowa reaching the 50 degree mark.

Iowa had an average of less than one day suitable for fieldwork last week according to the Iowa Crop Progress Report. With warmer temperatures a few days this week, farmers are anxiously starting to prepare for planting, however colder temps and a chance of snow over the weekend might put a halt to any fieldwork once again. Other Midwestern states have also had very few days suitable for fieldwork lately.

Michelle Mensing is a Research Analyst with Decision Innovation Solutions (DIS). DIS is an Iowa-Based economic research firm which provides regular farm economics research and analysis to the Iowa Farm Bureau staff and members.