By Scout Nelson
Minnesota's agricultural landscape saw an active week with 3.6 days suitable for fieldwork according to the latest update from the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.
The report from the week ending June 16, 2024, provides a comprehensive overview of crop conditions and progress across the state.
Topsoil moisture is mostly favorable with 57% rated as adequate and 42% as surplus. Subsoil moisture shows similar trends with 59% adequate and 38% surplus, indicating some ongoing challenges with excess moisture.
Crop Development and Health:
- Corn: 93% of the corn has emerged, slightly behind the usual pace, with conditions rated 71% good to excellent.
- Soybeans: Planting is nearly complete at 94%, with 79% of crops emerged and early blooming at 3%. The overall condition is promising at 70% good to excellent.
- Barley: With 93% emerged and 65% jointing, barley's health is strong, standing at 84% good to excellent.
- Oats: Progress shows 77% jointing and 20% headed, with an improvement in condition to 82% good to excellent.
- Spring Wheat: Currently 75% jointing and 3% headed, spring wheat has improved to an 83% good-to-excellent rating.
- Dry Edible Beans: Nearly all planted at 94%, with 66% emerged and conditions at 68% good to excellent.
- Alfalfa Hay: The first cutting has reached 67%, with a second cutting started at 4%.
- Sunflowers: Have reached an 82% planting completion rate, with the condition rated favorably at 79% good to excellent.
All hay conditions maintain a strong rating at 77% good to excellent.
Pasture conditions have seen an increase to 83% good to excellent, up from previous weeks.
The potato crop shines with an 88% good-to-excellent rating, and sugarbeets also show strong growth at 81% good to excellent.
This report underscores the resilience and ongoing efforts of Minnesota farmers as they manage their crops amidst fluctuating weather conditions.
Photo Credit -usda
Categories: Minnesota, Crops