#Plant26: Iowa Planting Progress Moves Ahead Despite Dry Conditions in the Corn Belt

Emily Oberbroeckling says producers in northeast Iowa have made strong planting progress while continuing to monitor moisture conditions.

GARNAVILLO, Iowa (RFD News) — Farmers continue making strong planting progress across much of the Corn Belt, though dry conditions are beginning to create concerns in some areas.

USDA’s latest Crop Progress Report shows both corn and soybeans running ahead of the five-year average nationwide.

Emily Oberbroeckling with the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report for an update on conditions across northeast Iowa and the surrounding tri-state region.

During her conversation with RFD News, Oberbroeckling said planting progress in the area has remained ahead of schedule thanks to favorable weather conditions over the last several weeks.

“Here in Northeast Iowa, a lot like what you said, planting progress is ahead of schedule. We’re about 80-85 percent according to recent reports that planting has been good. The weather has within the last couple of weeks has really been nice,” she continued, “We did see some rain, which we did need after a little bit of a dry spell as well.”

The discussion also focused on current land auction activity across the Midwest, along with how livestock diversity in the region may be helping support farm income and land values.

Oberbroeckling additionally discussed unique agricultural trends developing across the environmentally diverse tri-state area.

Related Stories
Weak soybean sales and soft wheat demand contrast with solid corn export strength.
AFBF Economist Dr. Faith Parum break down new survey findings on fertilizer affordability and producer sentiment heading into the 2026 growing season.
Rising corn and soybean prices may lower expected payments for producers
Tennemo Rice Family Farm & Mill is Tennessee’s first and only family-owned rice farm and mill, handling everything from planting to milling and packaging.
Sen. Roger Marshall joined us to discuss rising input costs, farm support efforts, and legislation aimed at strengthening domestic fertilizer supply.
David Fisher with the American Lamb Board joined us to discuss a new sustainability program designed to boost producer profitability while supporting stewardship practices.

Knoxville native Neal Burnette-Irwin is a graduate from MTSU where he majored in Journalism and Entertainment Studies. He works as a digital content producer with RFD News and is represented by multiple talent agencies in Nashville and Chicago.


LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

The National Pork Board recognized John Parker for more than 40 years of advocacy and leadership.
Georgia Rep. Jaclyn Ford reflects on her farming roots and cotton gin experience, saying agriculture drives her work and rural policy priorities in the state.
First-grade teacher Taylor Dougherty at Eastern Elementary School was named the 2026 Ag in the Classroom Award winner for her efforts to teach students about agriculture.
Lawmakers say payments will support schools, infrastructure and public safety in rural communities.
Initiative brings students from different backgrounds together to build relationships and broaden perspectives
Arkansas Farm Trail Passport brings visitors to operations across the state, like Horton’s Produce & More, where strawberry harvest focuses on quality over quantity.
Agriculture Shows
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.
Everything profits from prairie. Soil, air, water — and all kinds of life! Learn how you can improve your land with prairie restoration, cover crops and prairie strips, while growing your bottom line.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.