By Scout Nelson
Minnesota farmers averaged just 2.6 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending April 13, 2025, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Field activity remained like the previous week, including fertilizer and manure applications, tillage, and small grain planting.
Livestock conditions remained stable across the state, with calving and lambing continuing without major concerns.
Topsoil moisture conditions were mostly favorable, with 4% rated very short, 24% short, 63% adequate, and 9% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies followed a similar trend, with 6% very short, 39% short, 50% adequate, and 5% surplus.
Corn planting began during the week, reaching 1% complete. While this is slightly behind last year’s pace, it matches the five-year average, indicating a typical start to the planting season.
Oat planting made the most progress, reaching 9% planted. Spring wheat planting also began, with 1% completed so far. Potato planting has also started and currently stands at 1%.
Although the weather limited the number of days for fieldwork, farmers used available time to begin necessary spring tasks. The gradual progress reflects the normal challenges of early season planting in Minnesota, where timing often depends on weather and field readiness.
With soil moisture rated mostly adequate, conditions are looking promising for more planting progress in the coming weeks, provided favourable weather continues. Attention will remain on weather patterns and soil conditions as farmers plan to accelerate planting for corn and other crops.
This report provides a brief update on spring field activities and planting progress, showing early steps toward the 2025 growing season across Minnesota’s farms.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-dmytro-diedov
Categories: Minnesota, Crops, Corn, Wheat, Weather