Drier weather allows first cutting alfalfa to get underway

Minnesota

Drier weather across much of Minnesota during the week ending June 22 allowed producers to harvest thirty-three percent of the state's first alfalfa cutting, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Minnesota Field Office, June 23.

Drier conditions also permitted producers to complete much of their spraying activities and other necessary fieldwork. Statewide, on average, there were 5.7 days suitable for fieldwork during the week, up 3.6 days from the previous week.

The average temperature for the week was 64.4 degrees, 1.9 degrees below normal. Statewide topsoil moisture supplies as of June 20 were 0 percent very short, 3 percent short, 84 percent adequate, and 13 percent surplus.

As of June 22, the average corn height was estimated at 11 inches compared to 34 inches last year and 21 inches for the 5-year average.

Soybeans were 96 percent emerged compared to 100 percent last year and 98 percent average. The average height of soybeans was 4 inches compared to 9 inches last year and 6 inches for the 5-year average.

Spring wheat was 6 percent headed compared to 37 percent last year and 30 percent average. Oats were 16 percent headed compared to 59 percent last year and 41 percent average. Barley was 7 percent headed compared to 47 percent last year and 31 percent average.

The first cutting of alfalfa reached 61 percent complete compared to 87 percent last year and 79 percent average.

As of June 20, 62 percent of corn and soybeans were rated in good or excellent condition.

6/30/08
6 Star Midwest Ag\3-B

Date: 6/24/08

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