Minnesota crops behind due to cool weather

By Scout Nelson

Minnesota farmers experienced cooler than normal temperatures during the week ending August 11, 2024, resulting in 5.3 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. The cooler weather slowed crop development and impacted field activities, including small grain harvests and hay cutting.

Topsoil moisture supplies were in good condition, with 0 percent rated very short, 7 percent short, 79 percent adequate, and 14 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were similarly favorable, with 0 percent very short, 5 percent short, 79 percent adequate, and 16 percent surplus.

Corn silk reached 91 percent, but it was 12 days (about 1 week 10 days) behind last year and one week behind the five-year average. Corn reaching the dough stage was at 49 percent, and the dent stage had just begun at 2 percent. The overall condition of the corn crop was rated 59 percent good to excellent.

Soybean progress was also delayed, with 92 percent of the crop blooming, six days behind last year, and one week behind the five-year average. Soybeans setting pods reached 64 percent, with the crop condition rated 62 percent good to excellent.

Barley showed significant progress, with 94 percent of the crop coloring and 11 percent harvested. The condition of the barley crop remained strong, with 80 percent rated good to excellent. Oats were 96 percent coloring, and 43 percent of the crop was harvested, with 81 percent rated good to excellent.

Spring wheat coloring was at 95 percent, and 9 percent of the crop was harvested. The condition of the spring wheat was rated 89 percent good to excellent. Dry edible beans were 88 percent blooming, with 66 percent setting pods. The condition of the dry edible bean crop rose to 72 percent good to excellent.

The potato harvest began with 4 percent completed, and the crop was rated 92 percent good to excellent. Sugar beet conditions remained strong, with 80 percent rated good to excellent. Sunflower condition was rated at 74 percent good to excellent, and the second cutting of alfalfa hay reached 88 percent.

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