By Scout Nelson
In Minnesota, a stretch of rainy weather resulted in 3.0 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending April 21, 2024, as reported by the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service.
This period was used effectively by farmers for various agricultural tasks such as tillage and the planting of small grains, row crops, and sugarbeets.
The livestock sector reported stable conditions with no significant issues affecting the animals. Moisture levels in the soil were generally good with topsoil moisture rated at 8 % very short, 22 % short, 61 % adequate, and 9 % surplus. Subsoil moisture also showed positive ratings, with 10 % very short, 31 % short, 55 % adequate, and 4 % surplus.
Progress was noted in the planting of key crops. Corn planting reached 8 % completion, which is 9 days ahead of last year and 2 days ahead of the five-year average. Soybeans saw a strong start as well, planted at 5 %, which is 11 days ahead of last year and a full week ahead of the average.
Barley planting was recorded at 12 %, with 1 % of the crop already emerging. Oats were also well underway at 29 % planted, with 10 % emerged. Spring wheat showed steady progress with 18 % planted and 2 % emerged. Sugarbeets had a particularly strong showing at 29 % planted.
These figures highlight a promising start to the 2024 farming season in Minnesota, with farmers making the most of the early planting opportunities presented by the recent weather conditions.
This proactive approach in the agricultural community is setting the stage for a potentially successful year in crop production.
Photo Credit -gettyimages-brzozowska
Categories: Minnesota, Crops, Livestock, Weather