Iowa Corn Planting Just 2% Complete as of April 19, 2026

What changed

USDA NASS reported that Iowa corn planting reached 2 percent complete for the week ending April 19, 2026. That's a very early-season number — planters are just starting to roll across the state.

Why it matters

Mid-April planting progress sets the tone for the rest of the season. A slow start doesn't necessarily mean trouble, but it's a data point that could affect how quickly Iowa's corn crop gets established. Iowa is the nation's top corn-producing state, so even small shifts in planting pace here may matter for the broader Corn Belt picture. How the next few weeks unfold — especially weather and soil conditions — will tell us a lot more.

What to watch next

• Weekly USDA crop progress updates. The next report will show whether planting picked up or stayed slow. Watch for the pace to accelerate if conditions cooperate.
• Local weather and soil temperatures. Warm, dry stretches could move the needle quickly. Extended wet or cool weather could keep planters parked.
• Comparisons to the five-year average. As more weekly data comes in, comparing this year's pace to the average will help put the numbers in context.

Source notes

The 2 percent planted figure comes from USDA NASS Quick Stats, based on their weekly crop progress survey for Iowa corn, for the week ending April 19, 2026. You can look up the data directly at USDA NASS Quick Stats.