The small grain harvest neared completion despite scattered precipitation during the week, according to the USDA-NASS Minnesota Field Office.
For the week ending August 12, the spring wheat harvest was 92% complete, compared to 17% last year and 30% for the five-year average.
Oats harvested were 95% complete, compared to 43% last year and 58% average.
Other harvest progress included sweet corn at 49% complete, canola at 23% complete, potatoes at 11% complete, and corn harvested for silage at 8% complete.
Cooler, dry conditions prevailed during the week. Statewide, average temperatures were 3 degrees cooler than normal.
Small Grain Harvest Almost Done
Topsoil moisture supplies were relatively unchanged from the previous week and were rated 15% very short, 35% short, 49% adequate, and 1% surplus. Statewide, 5.9 days were rated suitable for fieldwork.
Corn was 95% at the milk stage or beyond, compared to 65% for the five year average. Corn was 74% at the dough stage or beyond, compared to 26% average. Twenty-three percent of corn was at the dent stage, compared to 5% average. Soybeans were 94% setting pods, compared to 74% average, and 2% turning yellow, compared to 1% average. The corn crop was rated 77% in fair to good condition, while soybeans were rated 80% in fair to good condition. Both corn and soybean condition ratings held relatively steady from the previous week.
Range and pasture condition was rated 17% very poor, 20% poor, 29% fair, 31% good, and 3% excellent, relatively unchanged from the previous week.
Source: USDA NASS Minnesota Field Office