Melting snow keeps producers out of fields

Warmer temperatures led to melting snow and resulted in 1.3 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending April 29, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Upper Midwest Regional Field Office, Minnesota. Snow has melted in most fields with frost still working its way out of the ground. Farmers that were able to work in the fields were busy with field preparation, spreading fertilizer, rock picking and planting.

Topsoil moisture supplies were rated 0 percent very short, 3 percent short, 64 percent adequate, and 33 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were rated 0 percent very short, 3 percent short, 77 percent adequate, and 20 percent surplus.

Cool temperatures, muddy fields, and frost in the ground have delayed planting of spring crops. Spring wheat planted was reported as 2 percent complete, compared with 20 percent last year, and the 5-year average of 34 percent. Oats planted were reported as 3 percent complete, compared with 37 percent last year, and the average of 41 percent. Barley planted was reported as 1 percent complete, compared with 10 percent last year, and the average of 25 percent. Potatoes planted were reported as 2 percent complete, compared with 29 percent last year, and the average of 26 percent. Sugarbeets planted were reported as 10 percent complete, compared with 45 percent last year, and the average of 44 percent.

Pastures remain dormant in the northern parts of the state as spring calving continues. Pasture conditions were rated 9 percent very poor, 16 percent poor, 31 percent fair, 40 percent good, and 4 percent excellent.