#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
Corn growers are turning to ethanol, E15 expansion, and export markets to help absorb record supplies and stabilize prices. Farm leaders discuss low-carbon ethanol demand, flex-fuel vehicle challenges, input costs, and the role of USMCA as producers look for market relief in the year ahead.
From rising trade tensions in Europe to a pending Supreme Court decision on tariffs and shifting demand from China, global trade policy spearheaded by President Donald Trump continues to shape the outlook for U.S. agriculture—adding uncertainty as farmers navigate another volatile year.
Congressional leaders signal momentum toward expanded, targeted farm aid to help producers manage losses and cash-flow stress in 2026.
Livestock strength is carrying the farm economy, while crop margins remain tight and increasingly dependent on risk management and financial discipline.
Freight volatility and route selection remain critical to soybean export margins and competitiveness.
Strong balance sheets still matter, but liquidity, planning, and lender relationships are critical as ag credit tightens, according to analysis from AgAmerica Lending.

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 Meat Institute says meat sales reached a record $112 billion last year as protein demand remained strong nationwide.
National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles says potato wart could have devastating consequences for U.S. growers and export markets.
Congressman Mark Messmer discusses the Farm Bill, rural investment priorities, Prop 12, and support for farmers facing economic pressure.
The Livestock Conservancy says protecting rare breeds helps preserve genetic diversity and long-term agricultural resilience.
Dr. Joana Colussi says differences in input costs, trade conditions, and second-crop risks continue shaping profitability in both countries.
The Perrier family says maintaining herd quality has helped keep the operation strong.
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.