Spring field work and planting efforts differ across Iowa depending on location as farmers in western and southwest Iowa hit the ground running while those to the north and east await more favorable conditions.

Significant precipitation and unseasonably cold temperatures prevailed over much of the state during late March and early April. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) crop progress and condition report showed few suitable days for field work in recent weeks.

Iowa State Climatologist Justin Gilsan echoed those reports, saying statewide conditions have been colder and wetter than normal.

That isn’t news to Charles City’s Devon Murray, who says it’s been too cool and drizzly to get in the field for spring anhydrous applications or planting. Murray farms with his father, Jeff, raising corn and ...