(Le Mars) – – Last week was a busy one for Iowa farmers, who took advantage of dry conditions to plant nearly half of the expected corn crop. Joel DeJong, Iowa State University Extension crops specialist for northwest Iowa believes farmers in this area may be leading the state in terms of corn planted.
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported Monday that farmers planted about 7 million acres. About 20 percent of the soybean crop, or 2 million acres, also was planted.
Northwest Iowa is rated as being the driest region of the state with one-third of the topsoil reported as very short or short of moisture. DeJong says the recent rains were welcomed, but he says more is needed.
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Another concern for farmers is the roller coaster ride of temperatures. Friday’s forecast is calling for a possibility for frost as the temperature may dip to the mid to lower 30’s. DeJong says it depends upon how long and how cold the conditions as to whether emerged corn will be hurt.
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{audio} images/stories/mp3/May 2014/DeJong corn3.mp3{/audio}
