Rainy weather delays planting of Iowa’s corn, soybean crops

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Rainy weather is delaying Iowa farmers from planting crops this spring.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported Monday that 36% of Iowa’s expected corn crop had been planted as of Sunday. That’s five days behind the five-year average.

About 8% of the expected soybean crop has been planted. That’s two days behind the five-year average.

Last week, rain allowed for only 2.8 days of fieldwork. Chilly temperatures also slowed the emergency of crops that have been planted.