Snow cover and precipitation prevent fieldwork for another week

Snow cover, additional precipitation and cooler temperatures resulted in another week with no days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending April 22, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Upper Midwest Regional Field Office, Minnesota. Snow-covered areas were common across much of the state while those areas clear of snow were too cold and wet for fieldwork to be completed. Standing water was reported in some fields with many reports stating that frost is still in the ground. Producers kept busy preparing equipment for spring tillage and planting.

Topsoil moisture supplies were rated 0 percent very short, 1 percent short, 56 percent adequate, and 43 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were rated 0 percent very short, 3 percent short, 74 percent adequate, and 23 percent surplus.

Snow cover, wet and frozen ground, and cooler temperatures continued to delay planting of spring crops. Spring wheat planted was reported as 0 percent complete, 13 percentage points behind last year, and 25 points behind the 5-year average. Oats planted were reported as 0 percent complete, 27 percentage points behind last year, and 31 points behind the 5-year average. Potatoes planted were reported as 0 percent complete, 21 percentage points behind last year, and 15 points behind the 5-year average. Sugarbeets planted were reported as 0 percent complete, 30 percentage points behind last year, and 34 points behind the 5-year average.