Spring wheat harvest nearly completed

Mild weather in much of the state aided small grain harvest while some much needed precipitation supported row crop development during the week ending Aug. 26, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Upper Midwest Regional Field Office, Minnesota. Despite scattered areas receiving significant precipitation, there were 5.1 days suitable for fieldwork. Field activities for the week included harvesting small grains, corn silage, and potatoes.

Topsoil moisture supplies were rated 5 percent very short, 19 percent short, 70 percent adequate and 6 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were rated 6 percent very short, 18 percent short, 67 percent adequate and 9 percent surplus.

Ninety-two percent of the corn has reached the dough stage or beyond, 10 days ahead of the five-year average. Corn dented was at 45 percent, 5 days ahead of average. Corn for silage harvest was 11 percent complete, 10 days ahead of average. Corn crop condition was rated 75 percent good to excellent. Fifteen percent of the soybean crop was turning color or beyond, 4 days ahead of average. Soybean condition improved to 72 percent good to excellent.

Ninety-four percent of spring wheat has been harvested, almost three weeks ahead of average. Eighty-eight percent of the oats for grain have been harvested, 4 days ahead of last year. Ninety-six percent of barley has been harvested, just over two weeks ahead of average.

Thirty-six percent of the dry edible bean crop was dropping leaves or beyond, 8 days ahead of average. Dry edible bean condition rated 74 percent good to excellent. Sunflower condition improved slightly to 70 percent good to excellent. Potato harvest was 8 percent complete, almost 2 weeks behind average. Potato condition was rated 92 percent good to excellent. Sugarbeet condition was rated 75 percent good to excellent.