Scattered thunderstorms delay fieldwork

Above average temperatures prevailed across the state; however, scattered thunderstorms late in the week kept producers in southern Minnesota from fieldwork during the week ending May 13, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Upper Midwest Regional Field Office, Minnesota. There were 4.3 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 crops.

Topsoil moisture supplies were rated 1 percent very short, 6 percent short, 70 percent adequate and 23 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were rated 0 percent very short, 4 percent short, 81 percent adequate and 14 percent surplus.

Minnesota’s spring wheat was 59 percent planted, 1 week behind last year and 2 days behind the 5-year average. Eleven percent of the spring wheat crop had emerged, 9 days behind last year and 15 days behind average. Oats were reported as 60 percent planted, 5 days behind last year and 4 days behind average. Twenty-one percent of the oat crop had emerged, 10 days behind last year and 13 days behind average. Planting of the barley crop was reported as 45 percent complete, 6 days behind last year and average. Seven percent of the barley crop had emerged, 6 days behind last year and 15 days behind average.

Corn planting was 40 percent completed, 5 days behind last year and 8 days behind average. There were a few reports of corn emerging in the southern half of the state. Soybeans were 11 percent planted, 4 days behind last year and 9 days behind average.