USDA - hot weather helps Minnesota farmers

By Scout Nelson

Hot and dry weather allowed Minnesota farmers 5.7 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending July 28, 2024, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Fieldwork included cutting hay and harvesting small grains. Livestock were reported to be doing well, with no issues observed.

Topsoil moisture supplies were rated 0% very short, 3% short, 70% adequate, and 27% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were rated 1% very short, 3% short, 73% adequate, and 23% surplus.

Field Crops Report:

Corn silking reached 63%, which is one week behind last year and four days behind the five-year average. Corn reaching the dough stage was at 13%, and corn condition remained 58% good to excellent.

Soybeans blooming reached 73%, which is eight days behind last year and five days behind the five-year average. Soybean setting pods reached 33%, and the crop condition rose to 60% good to excellent.

Barley reached 97% headed, 62% coloring, and harvest reached 3%. The condition of the barley crop was rated 83% good to excellent.

Oats were 80% coloring, and the harvest reached 23%. Oats condition was rated 77% good to excellent.

Spring wheat coloring was at 66%, with harvest beginning at 2%. The condition of the crop was rated 83% good to excellent.

Dry edible beans were 56% blooming and setting pods at 21%. The condition of dry edible beans was rated at 74% good to excellent. The second cutting of alfalfa hay reached 72%.

All hay condition was 71% good to excellent, and pasture condition was 76% good to excellent.

The condition of the potato crop was rated 93% good to excellent. Sugarbeet condition remained 80% good to excellent. Sunflower condition was rated at 75% good to excellent.

The USDA report highlights favorable fieldwork conditions and generally positive crop and livestock health in Minnesota, indicating a productive week for farmers in the state.

Photo Credit: usda