Corn and soybean planting in Minnesota ahead of 5-year average

Dry, mild weather conditions allowed for rapid planting progress of corn, oats and sugarbeets according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.

There were 4.9 days suitable for fieldwork statewide during the week ending April 26, 2020. Other field activities for the week included tilling, fertilizer application, as well as row crop and small grain planting.

Topsoil moisture supplies were rated 0 percent very short, 8 percent short, 76 percent adequate, and 16 percent surplus.  Subsoil moisture supplies were rated 0 percent very short, 4 percent short, 68 percent adequate, and 28 percent surplus.

Corn planting was in full swing at 40 percent complete, 20 days ahead of last year and 9 days ahead of the 5-year average. Soybean planting has begun and was 5 percent complete, 17 days ahead of last year and 4 days ahead of average.

Spring Wheat planting was 6 percent complete, one week ahead of last year but 15 days behind average. One-third of the oat crop in Minnesota was planted leading to 43 percent of the total planting progress complete.