Warm Weather Boosts Minnesota Planting Progress

Minnesota farmers had nearly five days suitable for fieldwork last week as warm weather and moderate rainfall helped speed up planting progress. According to USDA, corn planting reached 92 percent—more than a week ahead of average—and over half of the crop has emerged. Soybean planting was 81 percent complete, with 32 percent emerged. Small grains are also ahead of schedule, with spring wheat and oats both over 90 percent planted. Topsoil and subsoil moisture levels remain mostly adequate, and hay and pasture conditions are holding steady across much of the state.