Cool Temps and Wet Conditions Continue to Delay Fieldwork in MN & Iowa

Continued below average temperatures and wet fields limited farmers in Minnesota to just 0.3 days suitable for fieldwork last week according to the USDA.

Oats planted was reported at 2% and all other crops remained at 0% planted.  The planting progress as of April 24th is the lowest since 2013.

Topsoil moisture supplies were rated 2% very short, 7% short, 64% adequate and 27% surplus.

In Iowa, the USDA reports that farmers were limited to 2.3 days suitable for fieldwork last week.

Reports were received of limited corn and soybean planting as well as planting oats, 47% of the expected oat crop has been planted, 10 days behind last year and 5 days behind the 5 year average.  In addition to wet conditions, cool soil temperatures have some farmers waiting to plant row crops. 

Topsoil moisture supplies were rated 4% very short, 18% short, 67% adequate and 11% surplus.