MN & Iowa Pick Up Needed Precipitation the Hampers Fieldwork According to the USDA

Minnesota experienced colder than normal temperatures with continued snow and rain over most of the state, resulting in 0.3 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending April 23rd, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Topsoil moisture supplies were rated 3% very short, 5% short, 59% adequate and 33% surplus.

Subsoil moisture supplies were rated 3% very short, 12% short, 66% adequate and 19% surplus.

Oats planted was reported at 5%, below the 5 year average of 15% for this time of year and ahead of last year’s 2%.  Oats were just beginning to emerge at 1%.

Corn planted was very limited at just 1%.

In Iowa last week, colder temperatures and a variety of precipitation limited farmers to 2.5 days suitable for fieldwork.

Much needed rain in the western part of Iowa helped to improve moisture supplies.  Corn, soybean and oat planting continued this week, although at a reduced pace due to the cold, wet weather.

Topsoil moisture supplies were rated 4% very short, 18% short, 74% adequate and 4% surplus.

Subsoil moisture supplies were rated at 7% very short, 28% short, 61% adequate and 4% surplus.

Ten percent of Iowa’s expected corn crop has been planted, 10 days ahead of last year and 3 days ahead of the average.

Sixty seven percent of the expected oat crop has been planted, 11 days ahead of last year and 4 days ahead of normal.  Ten percent of the oat crop has emerged, 3 days ahead of last year.