By Scout Nelson
Minnesota experienced another warm week with moderate rainfall, allowing farmers to make strong progress in planting and crop development. According to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Minnesota farmers had 4.9 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending May 18, 2025.
Soil conditions remained steady. Topsoil moisture was rated 64 percent adequate, with only 6 percent very short and 5 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was similarly rated at 64 percent adequate.
Corn planting is nearly complete at 92 percent 13 days ahead of 2024 and 10 days ahead of the five-year average. Corn emergence reached 58 percent, running six days ahead of the average.
Soybeans are also moving ahead quickly. About 81 percent have been planted, placing this year nearly 10 days ahead of the average and more than two weeks ahead of 2024. Emergence stands at 32 percent, which is six days ahead of the norm.
Small grains also showed strong progress. Barley planting is 77 percent done, with 42 percent emerged. Oats are 92 percent planted, 55 percent emerged, and 11 percent joined. Oat condition is promising, with 74 percent rated good to excellent. Spring wheat is 93 percent planted, with 56 percent emerging.
Other crops showed the following planting rates: dry edible beans at 50 percent, potatoes at 82 percent, and sunflowers at 44 percent.
Hay and pasture conditions remained steady. Hay was rated 47 percent good and 10 percent excellent. Pastures were rated 47 percent good and 8 percent excellent, indicating overall healthy growth.
This strong early-season progress puts Minnesota crops in a solid position as the growing season continues.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-kotenko-a
Categories: Minnesota, Crops, Corn, Soybeans