Minnesota farmers excel in dry week

By Scout Nelson

Minnesota farmers experienced a dryer, warmer week, resulting in 5.6 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending July 21, 2024, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Fieldwork activities included cutting hay and small grain harvest. Livestock were reported to be doing well with no issues.

Topsoil moisture supplies were rated at 0 percent very short, 3 percent short, 61 percent adequate, and 36 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were rated at 0 percent very short, 3 percent short, 66 percent adequate, and 31 percent surplus.

Corn silking reached 38 percent, which is 6 days behind last year and 4 days behind the 5-year average. Corn reaching the dough stage began at 3 percent, with corn condition remaining 58 percent good to excellent.

Soybeans blooming reached 60 percent, 8 days behind last year and 4 days behind the 5-year average. Soybeans setting pods reached 20 percent, with soybean condition rated at 57 percent good to excellent.

Barley progress was notable, with 93 percent headed, 43 percent coloring, and harvest beginning at 1 percent. The condition of the barley crop was rated 80 percent good to excellent.

Oats progress showed 96 percent headed, 60 percent coloring, and harvest reached 11 percent, with oats condition rated 79 percent good to excellent. Spring wheat was 97 percent headed and 43 percent coloring, with the crop condition rated 82 percent good to excellent.

Dry edible beans were 40 percent blooming and setting pods at 7 percent, with their condition rated at 65 percent good to excellent. The first cutting of alfalfa hay was virtually complete at 97 percent, and the second cutting was at 57 percent.

All hay condition was rated 71 percent good to excellent, and pasture condition remained 77 percent good to excellent.

The potato crop condition was rated 95 percent good to excellent. The sugarbeet condition improved to 80 percent good to excellent, while the sunflower condition was rated 75 percent good to excellent.

Overall, the favorable weather conditions allowed for significant progress in fieldwork and maintained positive crop and livestock conditions across Minnesota. Farmers utilized the dry and warm weather to advance their field activities effectively.

Photo Credit: istock-oticki