IOWA – While some producers were able to get into their fields, precipitation continued to delay planting in many parts of the state, allowing only roughly three days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending May 4th, according to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. Corn planted reached 49 percent, 3 days ahead of last year but 2 days behind the 5-year average. Corn emerged reached 10 percent, 2 days ahead of last year’s pace and 3 days ahead of normal. Thirty-eight percent of the expected soybean crop has been planted.

CHARLES CITY – An Iowa nonprofit organization that works with immigrants announced it received a letter from a state lawmaker demanding information from the group. The Des Moines Register reports the Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice was asked to turn over a membership list and tax documents by Representative Charley Thomson. The group was warned not to discuss the letter with anyone, and it appears the letter was an official request from the Iowa House Government Oversight Committee, who has declined to comment.

WEST DES MOINES – A Democratic state senator has announced a bid for Iowa’s third congressional district. Iowa Capital Dispatch reports Sarah Trone Garriott will prepare a run against Representative Zach Nunn, an incumbent Republican since 2022. Trone Garriott has won two narrow races to keep her seat in the Iowa Legislature.