Iowa Corn Planting Just 2% Complete as of April 19, 2026
Iowa corn was only 2 percent planted for the week ending 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.
Get the WASDE in your inbox — minutes after USDA drops it.
Every supply-and-demand table that moved, with the underlying USDA links. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.
More from this desk
- Crop Progress · August 4, 2026Iowa Soybeans: 80% Blooming as of July 26, 2026
As of the week ending July 26, 2026, USDA NASS reports 80% of Iowa's soybean crop has reached the blooming stage — a key reproductive milestone heading into August.
- Crop Progress · July 29, 2026Iowa Corn: 87% Silking as of July 26, 2026
As of the week ending July 26, 2026, USDA NASS reports 87% of Iowa's corn crop has reached the silking stage. That means the bulk of Iowa corn is in or past its pollination window right now.
- Crop Progress · July 28, 2026Iowa Soybeans: 48% Setting Pods as of July 26, 2026
As of the week ending July 26, 2026, USDA NASS reports that 48% of Iowa's soybean crop has reached the setting-pods stage. That puts the state roughly at the midpoint of this critical reproductive window heading into August.
- Crop Progress · July 8, 2026Iowa Soybeans: 3% Setting Pods as of July 5, 2026
As of the week ending July 5, 2026, USDA NASS reports 3% of Iowa's soybean crop has reached the setting-pods stage — still very early, but the crop is moving into reproductive growth.