Precipitation, cool soil temperatures limit fieldwork

Limited field activities occurred across Minnesota with only 0.1 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending April 1, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Upper Midwest Regional Field Office, Minnesota. Precipitation and cool soil temperatures were reported across the state. Reported field activities for the week were minimal with some farmers spreading manure when the ground was solid enough to support the machines. Farmers were also working on preparing equipment for the spring planting season.

Topsoil moisture supplies were rated 0 percent very short, 2 percent short, 62 percent adequate, and 36 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were rated 0 percent very short, 4 percent short, 77 percent adequate, and 19 percent surplus.

Respondents reported widespread snow cover as well as most areas still having considerable frost in the soil.