USDA reports 3.8 days suitable for fieldwork in Minnesota for week ending April 25th

Cool weather remained, but allowed Minnesota farmers 3.8 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending April 25th, that according to the latest Minnesota Crop Progress and Condition report from the USDA.  Field activities included finishing up fertilizer and manure application, disking and planting.

Corn was 18% planted, three days behind last year but equal to the average pace, according to the report.  There were also reports of some soybean planting in southern Minnesota.

Spring wheat was 19% planted, one week ahead of last year  and four days ahead of the five-year average.  Scattered reports of wheat emergence were observed.  Oats were 42% planted, one day ahead of last year and one week ahead of normal.  According to the report, oats were 14% emerged, four days ahead of last year and three days ahead of normal.

Topsoil moisture supplies in Minnesota were rated 4% very short, 21% short, 65% adequate and 10% surplus.  Subsoil moisture supplies were rated 5% very short, 24% short, 63% adequate and 8% surplus.  Some reports mentioned continued dry conditions.

The report went on to indicate that although some pastures remained dormant, others continued to green up despite below average temperatures.  Pasture condition rated 5% very poor, 11% poor, 38% fair, 41% good and 5% excellent.