Dry conditions in Northern Minnesota allowed for the
start of wheat and barley harvesting during the week
ending August 2, 2020, according USDA’s National
Agricultural Statistics Service. There were 5.7 days
suitable for fieldwork, tying the week ending June 7 for
the most of this season. Field activities included cutting
hay and harvesting small grains.
Topsoil moisture supplies were rated 2% very short,
10% short, 75% adequate and 13% surplus. Subsoil
moisture supplies were rated 2% very short, 7% short,
80% adequate and 11% surplus.
Silked corn progress was nearly complete at 97%. Corn
was 37% at the dough stage or beyond, 11 days ahead of
last year and 4 days ahead of the 5-year average. Corn
condition improved slightly to 85% good to excellent.
Soybeans blooming progress was almost complete at
96%. Soybeans were 74% setting pods, 9 days ahead of
last year and 4 days ahead of the average. Soybean
condition remained at 84% good to excellent.
Spring wheat turning color was 3 days ahead of last year
at 93%. The wheat harvest was 7% complete, 8 days
ahead of last year but 1 day behind normal. Spring wheat
condition improved slightly to 76% good to excellent.
Oats turning color was 98% complete. The oat harvest
was 40% complete, 13 days ahead of last year and 6 days
ahead of average. The oat crop condition dropped to 68%
good to excellent. Barley was 98% coloring with 16%
of the crop harvested. Barley condition remained at 75%
good to excellent.
Sunflower condition rating increased to 75% good to
excellent. The Potato harvest was ahead of last year and
the average at 10% complete. Potato condition remained
at 89% good to excellent. Sugarbeet condition increased
slightly to 93% good to excellent. Dry beans blooming
progress was just about complete at 96%, with 79%
setting pods. Dry bean condition improved to 84% good
to excellent.
Minnesota’s second cutting of alfalfa hay was 87%
complete, 1 day ahead of last year but 4 days behind
average. Pasture condition decreased to 68% good to
excellent.