By Scout Nelson
Minnesota experienced 3.2 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending April 14, 2024, as reported by the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. This period allowed for the commencement of small grains planting, tilling, and manure applications, while livestock conditions remained favorable with ongoing calving.
Topsoil moisture was predominantly stable, rated at 13 % very short, 23 % short, 60 % adequate, and 4 % surplus. Subsoil moisture also showed reasonable distribution with 15 % very short, 33 % short, 51 % adequate, and 1 % surplus.
As for planting, farmers have begun sowing their fields. Corn planting reached 3 %, matching the early stages for barley and spring wheat, both also at 3 %. Soybeans saw a start of 1 % planted.
Oats were more advanced with 17 % planted and 5 % of these crops having emerged. Sugarbeets planting commenced with 2 % in the ground.
These early planting figures are a testament to Minnesota farmers' efforts to take advantage of the limited days suitable for fieldwork, setting a solid foundation for the growing season.
Photo Credit -usda
Categories: Minnesota, Crops, Livestock