Minnesota Farmers Make Strong Planting Progress Amid Hot, Dry Conditions

Minnesota farmers made significant planting progress last week with 6.6 days suitable for fieldwork, thanks to hot and dry conditions. According to USDA, corn is 75 percent planted and 30 percent emerged—both about a week ahead of average. Soybeans are 52 percent planted, with 14 percent emerged. Spring wheat is 67 percent planted in the state, and sugarbeets are 91 percent complete. Topsoil moisture is mostly adequate, though 33 percent is rated short to very short. Pasture and hay conditions are holding steady, with the majority in fair to good condition.