By Scout Nelson
Minnesota farmers saw steady progress during the week ending May 25, 2025, with an average of 3.3 days suitable for fieldwork. Widespread rainfall helped improve soil conditions, with most areas receiving over an inch and some counties reporting more than four inches of rain.
Topsoil moisture was rated 73 percent adequate and 12 percent surplus, while subsoil moisture stood at 72 percent adequate and 6 percent surplus. These improved moisture levels supported strong planting and emergence rates across major crops.
Corn planting reached 97 percent completion, which is ten days ahead of the five-year average. Around 78 percent of the corn crop had emerged, putting it a full week ahead of schedule. The condition of the corn crop was promising, with 69 percent rated good to excellent.
Soybean planting was 91 percent complete—an impressive thirteen days ahead of average and nineteen days earlier than 2024. About 56 percent of soybeans had emerged, six days ahead of the average pace.
Barley planting was 90 percent done, with 64 percent emerging and 7 percent joining. Oats were nearly fully planted at 97 percent, with 76 percent emerging and 20 percent joining. Spring wheat was also 97 percent planted, with 80 percent emerging and 6 percent joining. These small grains were in strong shape, with good to excellent condition ratings at 90 percent for barley, 71 percent for oats, and 82 percent for spring wheat.
Dry edible beans were 75 percent planted, and 34 percent emerged. Potatoes reached 93 percent planted, and sunflowers were 61 percent planted. The first cutting of alfalfa hay was 7 percent complete.
Hay's condition was rated 54 percent good to excellent, and pasture's condition was rated 58 percent good to excellent, showing steady improvement across Minnesota fields.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-eugenesergeev
Categories: Minnesota, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Weather