Small grain harvest continued well ahead of the five-year average pace, according to the USDA-NASS Minnesota Field Office.
As of Sunday, July 22, spring wheat harvest reached 17% complete as scattered showers brought varying amounts of precipitation across the state. Statewide, topsoil moisture supplies held relatively steady, and were rated 21% very short, 35% short, 40% adequate and 4% surplus.
Most crop condition ratings declined slightly. Corn and soybeans both remained in primarily fair to good condition.
Temperatures averaged over 6 degrees above normal this week and rainfall amounts varied across the state. Several northern areas remained dry, while some central parts of the state received above average precipitation. The highest weekly total was recorded in Melrose with 3.2 inches. During the week, there were 6.3 days rated suitable for fieldwork.
Topsoil Moisture Holds Steady
Corn development continued ahead of average, with 23% in the milk stage and 2% in the dough stage. Soybeans were 43% setting pods, compared to 8% last year and 12% for the five-year average.
Spring wheat harvest progressed to 17% complete, compared to 0% last year and 1% average.
Oats were 41% harvested, compared to 1% last year and 9% average.
Barley was 31% harvested, compared to 1% last year and 4% average.
The small grains continued to be rated in primarily fair to good condition.
Sweet corn harvest advanced 6 percentage points this week to 9% harvested.
Potatoes were rated in primarily good to excellent condition and were 1% harvested.
Range and pasture condition was rated 13% very poor, 21% poor, 29% fair, 33% good and 4% excellent, a decline from the previous week.
-Source: USDA-NASS Minnesota Field Office