Warmer temps and lighter rains enabled Minnesota farmers to get out in their fields last week with 4.5 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.
Topsoil moisture supplies were rated 9% short to very short, 72% adequate and 19% surplus.
Corn planting reached 38% complete, 9 days ahead of last year but 1 day behind the 5 year average. Corn emergency reached 2%.
Soybean planting was 13% complete, 9 days ahead of last year but 4 days behind the 5 year average.
In Iowa, mostly dry weather and warmer temperatures meant Iowa farmers had 5.7 days suitable for fieldwork last week, according to the USDA, allowing farmers to make significant strides planting corn soybeans and oats.
Topsoil moisture supplies were rated 33% short to very short, 64% adequate and 3% surplus.
Forty one percent of Iowa’s expected corn crop was planted during the week, resulting in 70% planted, 12 days ahead of last year and 1 week ahead of the 5 year average. Six percent the corn crop has emerged, 6 days ahead of last year, but a day behind average.
One third of Iowa’s expected soybean crop was planted during the week, for a total of 49% planted, 11 days ahead of last year and just over a week ahead of average.