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Regional Crop Reports (6/11/2012)
Warmer Weather Helps Minnesota Fields Dry Out
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Warmer weather and limited rain this past week helped Minnesota's farm fields to dry out a bit from a rainy May.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported Monday that topsoil moisture supplies declined slightly as daytime highs reach 90 degrees or hotter in many locations across Minnesota. As of Sunday, according to the weekly crop weather report, topsoil moisture was rated 85 percent adequate to surplus, compared with 95 percent the previous week.
Statewide, there were 5.7 days rated suitable for fieldwork.
Crop conditions held mostly steady. Eighty-two percent of the corn crop was rated in good to excellent condition, while 74 percent of soybeans were rated good to excellent.
Sweet corn is now 69 percent planted compared with 61 percent last year and 74 percent for the five-year average.
Rain, Above-Normal Temps Spur Crop Development
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - Rain and above normal temperatures are helping crop development and improving conditions, but some areas of North Dakota are still in need of moisture.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture says in its weekly crop, livestock and weather report that barley is 73 percent jointed and 28 percent in boot stage, which are ahead of the five-year averages.
Durum wheat advanced to 62 percent jointed, ahead of 0 percent last year and 9 percent on average. Spring wheat at 74 percent jointed and 36 percent boot stage is also ahead of pace.
The USDA says precipitation above normal across parts of the west, north central and northeast, and below normal across much of the rest of the state. Isolated hail storms damaged some crops.
Warm, Windy Weather Concerning Some Growers
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - Crop development continues to be well ahead of averages, but warm and windy weather combined with lack of moisture is concerning some growers.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture says in its weekly crop weather report that storms crossed parts of western and north central South Dakota, dropping rainfall amounts greater than an inch at several places. But much of the northeast and southeast received little to no precipitation.
Development advanced for all crops, but conditions remained relatively stable with hope for future rain.
Corn had an average height of 12 inches, ahead of the five year average of 6 inches, with 83 percent of the crop cultivated or sprayed once.
Soybeans were at 89 percent emerged, ahead of the five year average of 51 percent.
