Temperatures aid crop development

Above average temperatures aided crop development, while scattered rain showers had little impact on planting and the cutting of hay in most areas of the state during the week ending May 27, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Upper Midwest Regional Field Office, Minnesota. There were 5.5 days suitable for fieldwork, allowing farmers to make good planting progress.

Topsoil moisture supplies were rated 4 percent very short, 13 percent short, 76 percent adequate and 7 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were rated 1 percent very short, 8 percent short, 82 percent adequate and 9 percent surplus.

Minnesota’s spring wheat was 93 percent planted, almost 2 weeks behind last year but 2 days ahead of the 5-year average. Sixty-eight percent of the spring wheat crop had emerged. Spring wheat was 3 percent jointed, 9 days behind last year and 10 days behind average. Oats were reported as 93 percent planted, 1 week behind last year, with 76 percent of the oat crop emerged. Oats were 14 percent jointed, 9 days behind last year and 8 days behind average. Planting of the barley crop was 91 percent complete, 11 days behind last year. Sixty- seven percent of the barley crop had emerged. Four percent of the barley crop was jointed, 9 days behind both last year and the average.

Corn planting was 93 percent completed, 1 week behind last year but 1 day ahead of average. Sixty-six percent of the corn crop had emerged, 3 days behind last year. Soybeans were 80 percent planted, 4 days ahead of average. Soybeans were 29 percent emerged, 2 days behind both last year and the average.

Dry edible beans were 57 percent planted and 8 percent emerged. Sunflowers were 78 percent planted, 2 days behind last year but 8 days ahead of average. Potato planting was reported as 83 percent complete, 8 days behind last year and 3 days behind average.