Minnesota sees 5 days suitable for fieldwork

By Scout Nelson

Minnesota farmers had 5.0 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending August 4, 2024, due to hot temperatures and scattered storms, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. The fieldwork included harvesting small grains and cutting hay.

Topsoil moisture was rated 0% very short, 7% short, 75% adequate, and 18% surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 0% very short, 6% short, 76% adequate, and 18% surplus.

Corn silk reached 81%, 8 days behind last year and 5 days behind the 5-year average. Corn in the dough stage was at 31%, with 58% of the crop rated good to excellent.

Soybeans blooming reached 83%, 8 days behind last year and 1 week behind the 5-year average. Soybean setting pods reached 48%, with 63% of the crop rated good to excellent.

Barley reached 80% coloring, with 6% harvested. The condition of the barley crop was rated 80% good to excellent.

Oats were 92% coloring, with 34% harvested. The oats condition was rated 79% good to excellent.

Spring wheat coloring was at 86%, with 3% harvested. The condition of the crop was rated 83% good to excellent.

Dry edible beans were 75% blooming and 40% setting pods. The condition of the crop was rated 66% good to excellent. The potato harvest began at 1%, with 92% of the crop rated good to excellent. Sugarbeet condition remained 80% good to excellent. The sunflower condition was rated 71% good to excellent.

The second cutting of alfalfa hay reached 79%.

Photo Credit:usda