Cool, wet conditions did not hamper small grain harvest
progress during the week ending August 16, 2020,
according USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics
Service. There were 4.8 days suitable for fieldwork, the
fewest since the week ending July 12. Other field
activities included cutting hay and harvesting potatoes,
fruits and vegetables.
The wet weather recharged soil moisture in central
Minnesota. Statewide topsoil moisture condition rated
2% very short, 12% short, 73% adequate and 13%
surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 2% very
short, 8% short, 81% adequate and 9% surplus.
Corn had reached the dough stage or beyond on 81% of
the acres, 2 weeks ahead of last year and 6 days ahead of
the 5-year average. Twelve percent of the corn acreage
was at or beyond the dent stage, 11 days ahead of last
year but equal to average. There were scattered reports
corn silage harvest has begun. Corn condition rated 83%
good to excellent. Soybeans setting pods were almost
complete at 97%, remaining ahead of last year and
average. Scattered observations of soybeans turning
color were reported. Soybean condition rated 84% good
to excellent.
Spring wheat harvest was 31% complete, 6 days ahead
of last year but 6 days behind normal. Spring wheat
condition rated 76% good to excellent. The oat harvest
was 78% complete, 10 days ahead of last year and 6 days
ahead of average. Nearly one-third of the total barley for
grain acreage was harvested during the week, advancing
the statewide total to 70% complete. Barley condition
rated 74% good to excellent.
Sunflower condition rated 74% good to excellent. The
potato harvest advanced 3 percentage points to 18%
complete, remaining well ahead of last year and normal.
Potato condition improved to 92% good to excellent.
Sugarbeet condition remained at 93% good to excellent.
A few reports of sugarbeet harvest was received. Dry
beans setting pods were nearly complete at 99% with
13% dropping leaves. Dry bean condition improved to
81% good to excellent.
Minnesota’s second cutting of alfalfa hay was 94%
complete. Pasture condition increased to 67% good to
excellent