Warm, windy conditions aid crop development

Warm, windy conditions throughout much of the state aided crop development and allowed for significant harvest progress during the week ending Sept. 16, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Upper Midwest Regional Field Office, Minnesota. There were 6.1 days suitable for fieldwork. Field activities for the week included harvesting corn silage, small grains, dry edible beans, potatoes and sugarbeets.

Topsoil moisture supplies were rated 2 percent very short, 16 percent short, 77 percent adequate and 5 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were rated 7 percent very short, 15 percent short, 70 percent adequate and 8 percent surplus.

Ninety-two percent of the corn has reached the dent stage or beyond, 4 days ahead of the five-year average. Corn mature was at 42 percent, 8 days ahead of average. Corn for silage harvest was 72 percent complete, 11 days ahead of average. Corn crop condition was rated 77 percent good to excellent. Ninety-one percent of the soybean crop was turning color or beyond, 8 days ahead of average. Fifty-nine percent of the soybean crop was dropping leaves, 6 days ahead of average. Seven percent of the soybean crop was harvested, 6 days ahead of average. Soybean condition was rated 69 percent good to excellent.