By Scout Nelson
For the week ending April 13, 2025, North Dakota experienced just 3.0 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Most producers plan to begin full-scale fieldwork by April 23.
Soil moisture remained a concern. Topsoil moisture supplies were rated 16% very short, 32% short, 49% adequate, and 3% surplus. Subsoil moisture showed similar ratings, with 16% very short, 39% short, 43% adequate, and 2% surplus.
In terms of field crops, spring wheat planting reached 3%, matching both last year and the five-year average. Durum wheat planting was just 1%. Oats planting stood at 2%, while barley planting was 1%, both consistent with previous years. Dry edible peas were 2% planted, slightly above the average of 1%.
Winter wheat conditions were mixed, with ratings of 1% very poor, 26% poor, 37% fair, and 36% good. None of the crops was rated excellent at this stage.
Livestock reports show cattle and calf conditions as generally healthy: 1% very poor, 2% poor, 25% fair, 63% good, and 9% excellent. Death losses for cattle and calves were 1% heavy, 60% average, and 39% light. Calving progress reached 55%, close to the five-year average.
Sheep and lamb conditions rated 1% very poor, 2% poor, 24% fair, 68% good, and 5% excellent. Death losses were mostly average, and lambing was 74% complete, consistent with historical norms. However, shearing was behind at 74%, compared to 82% in previous years.
Hay and roughage supplies were reported 76% adequate, while stock water supplies were 56% adequate, though concerns remain with 11% very short and 32% short ratings.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-ahavelaar
Categories: North Dakota, Crops, Wheat, Hay & Forage, Livestock, Dairy Cattle, Goats & Sheep