Some fields remain muddy

Warm dry weather has allowed producers to begin fieldwork in some areas of the state during the week ending April 16, according to Minnesota Agricultural Statistics Service, April 17.

Small grain plantings were under way in areas with light sandy soils, while heavy soils and low spots are still muddy or filled with standing water. Fertilizers and manure were being applied in drier areas of the state. Producers in the Red River Valley, the major Wheat area of the state, have yet to begin planting due to flooding. In the far northern counties, producers were still waiting for ground frost to dissipate.

The average temperature for the week was 57.5 degrees, 15.5 degrees above normal. Statewide topsoil moisture supplies as of April 16 were rated 0 percent very short, 3 percent short, 64 percent adequate, and 33 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were rated at 0 percent very short, 3 percent short, 67 percent adequate, and 30 percent surplus.

An estimated 2 percent of spring Wheat acreage has been planted as of April 16, compared with 4 percent for the same date in 2005 and 8 percent for the five-year average.

Oats planting was 17 percent complete compared with 13 percent a year ago and 15 percent on the five-year average. Barley was 7 percent planted versus 3 percent last year and 4 percent on the five year average.

Date: 4/18/06

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