Minnesota

Crop development in Minnesota continued at a rapid pace during the week ending July 17 as hot, humid weather covered most of the state, according to the Minnesota Agricultural Statistics Service, July 18.

Rainfall was spotty and light. Crops on lighter soils are showing some signs of drought stress, and soybean aphids have appeared in some southern counties. Rain is needed to maintain crop conditions in most parts of the state.

Statewide topsoil moisture supplies as of July 15 were rated 8 percent very short, 25 percent short, 59 percent adequate, and 8 percent surplus.

An estimated 27 percent of Spring Wheat acreage was turning ripe as of July 17, compared with 16 percent for the same date in 2004 and 25 percent for the five-year average. Oats were 49 percent turning ripe, compared with 35 percent last year and 45 percent for the five-year average. Barley was 37 percent turning ripe, compared with 13 percent last year and 28 percent for the five-year average.

Corn height was 65 inches compared with 54 inches last year and 58 inches for the five-year average. Twenty percent of the corn was silking, compared with 10 percent last year and 22 percent for the five-year average. Soybean height was 19 inches, compared with 14 inches last year and 17 inches for the five-year average. Soybeans were 61 percent in bloom, compared with 43 percent last year and 48 percent for the five-year average.

Date: 7/20/05