By Scout Nelson
According to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, corn planting accelerated across southern Minnesota during the week ending April 20, 2025. Farmers experienced 4.1 days suitable for fieldwork, enabling strong progress in early spring operations.
Fieldwork included tillage, manure hauling, fertilizer application, and sugar beet planting. Livestock across the state remain in good condition, with calving and lambing season continuing smoothly.
Topsoil moisture conditions were reported as 4% very short, 27% short, 62% adequate, and 7% surplus. Subsoil moisture conditions were rated 5% very short, 37% short, 53% adequate, and 5% surplus.
Corn planting reached 9% completion—above last year’s 7% at this time and well ahead of the five-year average of 4%. Soybeans were 3% planted, slightly behind last year but still ahead of the 1% average pace.
Small grains are also seeing steady planting. Barley planting was reported at 2%, oats at 21%, and spring wheat at 3%. Potatoes were 8% planted, and sugar beets stood at 2% completion.
The continued stretch of mild weather and sufficient moisture is allowing Minnesota’s growers to make good use of available fieldwork days. However, regional moisture shortages suggest some areas may need rain to maintain crop momentum.
These early signs suggest a productive season ahead if weather conditions remain favorable. Regular monitoring and timely operations will be key to supporting crop emergence and livestock care in the coming weeks.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-dszc
Categories: Minnesota, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, Sugar Beets, Weather