In a week of mixed crop conditions across the U.S., Minnesota's agricultural landscape witnessed noteworthy shifts.
The national corn condition rating, after losing two points last week, rebounded to 57% in the good-to-excellent categories. This recovery was mirrored across several I-80 Corridor states. Illinois, for instance, improved drastically by nine points, attributed to recent rains and cooler temperatures. But the spotlight remains on Minnesota, which, in contrast, slipped by four points, indicating the region's varied weather impact on crops.
The soybean story had similar undertones. The U.S. soybean condition went back up to 54% in favorable ratings, recovering the two-point dip from the previous week. While Illinois showcased an impressive twelve-point ascent, Minnesota registered a slight decline, further highlighting the state's challenging agricultural conditions.
Spring wheat, a vital crop for Minnesota, faced a tougher week. Nationally, the condition dropped a point to 41% in the good-to-excellent bracket. With harvest activity intensifying, these ratings are bound to evolve quickly. While Montana and South Dakota enjoyed four-point gains, Minnesota's rating sagged by seven, emphasizing its peculiar challenges this season.
On the brighter side, the spring wheat harvest progresses steadily, nearing 11% completion nationally, only a smidge behind the five-year average.
Pasture conditions were a mixed bag in the Plains and Rockies, but it's the soil moisture reports that raised eyebrows. Minnesota wasn't singled out, but Washington took the lead for topsoil moisture deficits with a whopping 89% in dry categories. In the deeper subsoil moisture report, Texas secured the dubious honor of the driest, with 81% of its land facing moisture deficits.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-milos-cirkovic
Categories: Minnesota, Crops