Minnesota farmers continue to make progress on the corn and soybean harvests. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported Monday that the soybean harvest advanced to 16 percent complete as of Sunday, compared with 1 percent for the five-year average. The corn harvest advanced to 12 percent, compared with a 1 percent average.
Minnesota farmers continue to dodge the worst of the drought that's affecting most of the country. In its weekly crop weather report for Minnesota, the U.S. Department of Agriculture notes that the state experienced scattered showers and cooler temperatures this past week.
Minnesota farmers continue to make rapid progress on harvesting, despite a brief rainfall interruption. The U.S. Agriculture Department's weekly crop weather report for Minnesota said Monday that last Wednesday's rain only amounted to 0.3 inches in the southwest to 0.8 inches in the north-central and northeast parts.
The development of Minnesota's major crops has advanced significantly thanks to last week's high heat and humidity. In its weekly crop weather report for Minnesota, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said Monday that 54 percent of the corn crop is at or beyond the silking stage. That's an advance of 43 points from a week earlier, although it's still 10 points below the five-year average.
Last week's storms ended Minnesota's longest stretch of dry weather this summer, and it's having an impact on Minnesota agriculture. In its weekly crop weather report for the state, the U.S. Department of Agriculture says topsoil moisture supplies are rated 31 surplus, up from 21 percent the previous week. A statewide average of 3.8 days were suitable for fieldwork.
Minnesota crops have benefited from another week of warm temperatures and adequate soil moisture. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that most fieldwork resumed across Minnesota last week after several wet weeks caused delays. But the agency also said Monday in its weekly crop weather report for Minnesota that excess soil moisture is still a problem in northern areas.
Several days of dry weather amid the soggy spring has allowed Minnesota farmers to make significant progress in planting their crops. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports Monday there were 4.7 days suitable for fieldwork last week. That's the highest number so far this year.
Minnesota farmers took advantage of a small break in the cold, wet weather and have now planted more than a quarter of the state's corn crop. In its weekly crop weather report for Minnesota, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said Monday corn was 28 percent planted by Sunday, a big jump from 1 percent a week earlier.