Favorable conditions allowed Minnesota farmers to plant over one-third of the expected small grain acreage and over one-half of the sugarbeet acreage during the week ending Sunday, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. This was the most productive planting week for small grain growers in 30 years. There were 5.7 days suitable for fieldwork, the most days suitable in April since 2004. Some producers were worried about the extent of winterkill in alfalfa and the possible need to reseed acres. Field activities for the week included applying fertilizer, spreading manure, and tilling fields.
Topsoil moisture supplies were rated 4 percent very short, 31 percent short, 63 percent adequate, and 2 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were rated 3 percent very short, 36 percent short, 61 percent adequate, and 0 percent surplus. Some areas of the state received precipitation during the week, but farmers are still concerned about the lack of moisture, especially with the windy days.
Corn reached 12 percent planted in Minnesota, over 2 weeks ahead of last year, and 4 days ahead of the five-year average. Oat and spring wheat seeding were both over 50 percent complete, while barley was under 50 percent seeded. Small grain seeding was over 4 weeks ahead of last year and almost 3 weeks ahead of average. There were scattered reports of small grains starting to emerge across the southern two-thirds of the state.
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