The USDA has released the 2022 Crop Review for Minnesota. According to the USDA, Minnesota had a cold, wet April, significantly delaying planting. As of May 1st, both corn and soybeans were still at 0 percent planted, in contrast to last year’s May 1st, progress of 54% and 20% respectively.
Days suitable for fieldwork average just 0.15 per week in April, compared to 3.15 per week in April 2021. Days suitable rose steadily in May and early June and hovered around six until early November. Topsoil moisture was rated 93% adequate or surplus on May 1st, compared to 65% adequate to surplus on May 2nd, 2021. Topsoil moisture remained high throughout spring and didn’t drop below 90% adequate or surplus until June 26th. On November 27th, topsoil moisture was rated at 47% adequate or surplus, the lowest ending percentage since 2012.
Crop conditions were much higher than last year, but similar to years prior. Despite the late planting, by October 30th corn and soybeans were 80% and 98% harvested, respectively, about equal to last year on October 30th and well ahead of the 5 year average. The average temperature in April was 35.7 degrees, 6.5 degrees cooler than in April 2021 and 6.2 degrees below the April 1991-2020 normal. Monthly temperatures from May through October averaged a couple degrees cooler than last year and were slightly warmer than normal.
The statewide precipitation total for April was 3.73 inches, compared with 2.49 inches in April 2021 and the 1991-2020 normal of 2.3 inches. May had 5.05 inches of precipitation, much higher than the 1.76 inches last May and higher than normal of 3.48 inches. June and July were about an inch wetter than last year, but an inch dryer than normal. Precipitation for August was about average at 3.83 inches. September and October were much dryer than normal, with a combined 2.11 inches. For comparison, the September-October total for 2021 was 6.18 inches, and the 1991-2020 normal is 5.65 inches.