Productive week for Minnesota farmers and crops

By Scout Nelson

Warm and dry conditions allowed Minnesota farmers an average of 6.7 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending October 6, 2024, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Farmers were busy with harvest activities, fall tillage, and fertilizer applications throughout the week.

Topsoil moisture supplies were rated with 17% very short, 40% short, 42% adequate, and 1% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies showed similar challenges, with ratings of 12% very short, 28% short, 58% adequate, and 2% surplus.

Corn has made significant progress, with 97% of the crop in the dent stage. Currently, 82% of corn is mature, which is 10 days behind last year but slightly ahead of the five-year average. The harvested corn for grain stands at 15%, with an average moisture content of 19%. Overall, corn conditions are rated at 63% good to excellent, while the corn harvested for silage has reached 92%.

Soybeans are also progressing well, with 98% of the crop coloring and 91% of the leaves dropping. The soybean harvest has reached 68%, which is 6 days ahead of last year and 1 week ahead of the five-year average.

Other crops are performing well, too. Dry edible beans harvested reached 86%, and potato harvested is at 77%. The sugarbeet harvest stands at 21%, with 80% of the sugarbeets rated in good to excellent condition. Finally, sunflower harvest is currently at 5%, with a condition rating of 72% good to excellent.

These positive developments indicate a productive season for Minnesota farmers, with favorable weather conditions supporting their efforts in the fields.

Photo Credit:istock-pixeldigits