The widespread snowfall did not slow down
Minnesota’s corn harvest progress during the week
ending November 15, 2020, according to USDA’s
National Agricultural Statistics Service. There were
3.7 days suitable for fieldwork. The University of
Minnesota’s Soil, Water, and Climate department
reported snowfall amounts from three to eight inches
throughout Minnesota. Daily snowfall records happened
at Brainerd, Cook, Duluth, Ely, Embarrass, Grand
Rapids, Minneapolis, and St. Paul. Field activities
included manure and fertilizer application, fall tillage
and harvesting corn for grain.
The cool, wet weather increased both topsoil and subsoil
moisture supplies statewide. Topsoil moisture condition
rated 1% very short, 10% short, 82% adequate and 7%
surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 3% very
short, 13% short, 79% adequate and 5% surplus.
Despite the heavy snow events, the frozen ground
allowed the Minnesota corn harvest to near completion.
Ninety-seven percent of the corn harvest was completed,
well ahead of last year and two weeks ahead of the 5-
year average. Corn moisture content of grain at harvest
remained at 16%.