Fieldwork progresses in warm, dry weather

Warm and dry weather across much of Minnesota created favorable conditions for fieldwork during the week ending May 6, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Upper Midwest Regional Field Office, Minnesota. There were 4.4 days suitable for fieldwork. While some areas in northern Minnesota still report having frost in the ground, last week’s warmer temperatures allowed farmers in many areas to apply anhydrous and dry fertilizer to fields, conduct tillage activities, and plant small grains, potatoes and sugarbeets.

Topsoil moisture supplies were rated 1 percent very short, 6 percent short, 71 percent adequate and 22 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were rated 0 percent very short, 4 percent short, 83 percent adequate and 13 percent surplus.

Minnesota’s spring wheat was 27 percent planted, 5 days behind last year and 12 days behind the five-year average. Oats were also reported as 27 percent planted, 2 weeks behind last year and 16 days behind average. Planting of the barley crop was reported as 15 percent complete, 5 days behind last year and 16 days behind average.

Corn planting was 9 percent completed, 9 days behind last year and 16 days behind average. Soybeans were 1 percent planted, 4 days behind last year and 10 days behind average.

Potato planting was reported as 28 percent complete, 8 days behind last year and 5 days behind average. Sugarbeet planting was reported as 50 percent complete, 5 days behind last year and 3 days behind average.