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Flooding not helping cropsMinnesota Another week of widespread rain caused flooding in some fields and left standing water in low-lying areas during the week ending June 15, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Minnesota Field Office, June 16. While producers in some regions appreciated needed moisture, there were reports of very wet fields across the state. The conditions have delayed haying, with the first cutting of alfalfa nearly two weeks behind last year. The average temperature for the week was 61.3 degrees, 3.4 degrees below normal. Statewide topsoil moisture supplies as of June 13 increased to 0 percent very short, 0 percent short, 56 percent adequate, and 44 percent surplus. Statewide, on average, there were 2.1 days suitable for fieldwork during the week. As of June 15, the average corn height was estimated at 6 inches compared to 19 inches last year and 13 inches for the 5-year average. Soybeans were 91 percent emerged compared to 98 percent last year and 92 percent average. The average height of soybeans was 2 inches compared to 6 inches last year and 4 inches for the 5-year average. Spring wheat was 24 percent jointed compared to 59 percent last year and 50 percent average. Oats were 45 percent jointed compared to 73 percent last year and 65 percent average. Barley was 25 percent jointed compared to 56 percent last year and 51 percent average. The first cutting of alfalfa reached 28 percent complete compared to 73 percent last year and 62 percent average. As of June 13, 63 percent of corn and soybeans were rated in good or excellent condition. Seventy-seven percent of spring wheat, 75 percent of oats, 78 percent of barley, 61 percent of potatoes, 59 percent of sugarbeets, 68 percent of alfalfa, and 75 percent of pasture were rated in good or excellent condition.
Date: 6/19/08
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