Corn and Wheat conditions look good in North Dakota

By Scout Nelson

North Dakota's agricultural report for the week ending July 21st, 2024, reveals a mixed bag of progress for various crops. While weather conditions limited fieldwork opportunities to just 6.1 days, some crops showed positive development, while others lagged historical averages.

Soil moisture provided some relief, with most of the topsoil (79%) being adequate. Subsoil moisture fared even better, with 81% classified as adequate. However, a combined 11% of both topsoil and subsoil moisture fell short of ideal levels, potentially impacting certain crops.

Soybean development displayed a significant delay compared to previous years. Blooming reached 39%, considerably behind last year's 65% and the five-year average of 59%. Additionally, pod setting, a crucial stage for soybean yield, was at just 7%, far from the expected 15% for this time.

Spring wheat, on the other hand, offered a more promising picture. Heading, a precursor to seed formation, reached 85%, close to historical averages. However, coloring, an indicator of maturity, lagged slightly behind previous years at 34%. Winter wheat also showed progress in coloring, exceeding last year's figures at 83%. However, the harvest remained behind schedule at just 1%.

Corn development presented the most concerning delays. Silking, a vital stage, reached only 10%, well behind both last year's 38% and the historical average of 27%. This slow progress raises concerns about overall corn yield.

Positive developments were observed in other crops. Durum wheat displayed advanced development compared to past years in both heading and coloring. Canola blooming remained consistent with historical averages. Sugarbeet's were in excellent condition.

While some setbacks were evident, progress was observed in oats, barley, dry edible peas, and sunflowers. However, these crops, along with flaxseed and dry edible beans, all displayed delays in certain developmental stages compared to historical data.

Alfalfa saw near-average progress in its first cutting but exceeded expectations for the second cutting. Pasture and range conditions remained mostly good, with adequate stock water supplies reported across the state.

Overall, North Dakota's agricultural sector faces challenges due to limited fieldwork opportunities and uneven crop development. Farmers will be closely monitoring weather conditions and hoping for improvement in the coming weeks to ensure a successful harvest.

Photo Credit: photo-credit-is-minnesota-corn-growers-association