By Scout Nelson
Minnesota farmers had only 1.8 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending June 23, 2024, due to excessive rain, causing ponding and flooding as reported by the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.
Livestock reported no issues. Topsoil moisture showed 54% surplus, while subsoil moisture was 48% surplus.
Crop emergence and conditions showed promising signs. Corn emergence reached 97%, with 65% rated good to excellent. Soybeans were 97% planted, 89% emerged, and 8% blooming, with a 66% good to excellent rating. Barley emerged completely at 99%, with 81% jointing and 19% headed, rated 79% good to excellent.
Oats were 90% jointing, 41% headed, and 4% coloring, rated 77% good to excellent. Spring wheat was 97% jointing, 25% headed, and rated 81% good to excellent. Dry edible beans were 98% planted, 83% emerged, 2% blooming, with a 74% good to excellent rating.
Alfalfa hay had its first cutting at 79% and second at 6%. Sunflowers were 89% planted, rated 75% good to excellent. All hay and pasture conditions were rated 75% and 81% good to excellent, respectively. Potatoes and sugarbeets both rated 82% good to excellent.
Despite the weather challenges, Minnesota’s farming activities show resilience and promising progress, contributing to a strong agricultural sector.
Photo Credit -gettyimages-livingimages
Categories: Minnesota, Crops, Weather