Crop Progress

Below average temperatures and numerous snowfall
events throughout Minnesota slowed the season’s rapid
corn for grain harvest progress pace during the week
ending October 25, 2020, according to USDA’s National
Agricultural Statistics Service. Muddy fields and
pastures occurred statewide. There were 2.6 days
suitable for fieldwork, the fewest days for any week
since the two days during the week ending April 19,
2020. When producers were able to work in the fields
their activities included harvesting corn for grain,
soybeans, and sunflowers; applying fertilizer and
manure; and fall tillage.
The widespread precipitation increased both topsoil and
subsoil moisture supplies. Topsoil moisture condition
rated to 3% very short, 9% short, 79% adequate and 9%
surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 5% very
short, 11% short, 79% adequate and 5% surplus.
Corn for grain harvest was 72% complete, three weeks
ahead of last year and 10 days ahead of the 5-year
average. Corn moisture content of grain at harvest
averaged 17%, falling 1 percentage point from last week.
The soybean harvest was nearly complete at 98%
harvested, 27 days ahead of last year and 18 days ahead
of average.
The sunflower harvest was also nearly complete at 95%
harvested, 45 days ahead of last year and 30 days ahead
of normal. The weather events reduced pasture condition
by two percentage points due to snow accumulation and
mud. Pasture condition rated 43% good to excellent.