News
Wait for warmer weather over for many Minnesota corn farmers
Warmer weather gave Minnesota farmers confidence to plant corn the last week of April.
USDA’s latest crop report says during the week more than 40 percent of the state’s intended corn acres were planted, pushing overall progress to 60 percent. That’s 10 days ahead of normal, but two days behind last year.
Nathan Collins of Murdock in southwest Minnesota tells Brownfield last week started out slow.
“But things are moving along pretty good now, so we’re making good progress. I’d say we’re probably 40 percent done with corn, but should finish up by Thursday.”
Soybean planting advanced to 23 percent statewide, a week faster than the five-year average.
For small grains, spring wheat is 72 percent planted, oats are at 69 percent, and barley is 63 percent done.
Sugarbeet planting is pacing ahead of last year and the five-year average at nearly 80 percent complete, and potatoes are 44 percent planted.
