By Scout Nelson
For the week ending June 23, 2024, North Dakota had 4.8 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Topsoil moisture supplies were rated 4% very short, 8% short, 74% adequate, and 14% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were rated 3% very short, 10% short, 77% adequate, and 10% surplus.
The field crops report indicated that the soybean condition was rated 1% very poor, 5% poor, 28% fair, 63% good, and 3% excellent. Soybeans planted were at 97%, near 99% last year and 98% for the five-year average. Emerged was at 88%, behind 95% last year, but near 87% average.
The spring wheat condition was rated 2% very poor, 2% poor, 24% fair, 63% good, and 9% excellent. Spring wheat emerged at 98%, near 99% last year and 97% average. Jointed was at 59%, behind 64% last year, and equal to average. Headed was at 11%, behind 18% last year, and near 13% average.
Durum wheat, favored for its high protein content, exhibited 96% emergence, with 71% rated good and 5% excellent. Jointing was at 42%, trailing both last year and the average, while heading was at 4%, indicating a slower progression to maturity compared to previous years.
Winter wheat, crucial for fall harvest, showed 66% heading, ahead of last year's pace and the five-year average. Coloring was at 3%, suggesting development slightly lagged historical benchmarks.
Corn, a significant commodity in North Dakota, was 96% emerged, matching last year's progress and near the average. Condition ratings were positive, with 64% rated good and 4% excellent, indicating favorable growth conditions.
Canola, known for its versatility and oil production, was 94% emerged and 9% blooming. Condition ratings were balanced, with 58% rated good and 2% excellent, reflecting healthy growth despite minor delays in blooming.
Other crops such as oats, barley, dry edible peas, sunflowers, flaxseed, potatoes, and dry edible beans also showed various stages of emergence and development. Alfalfa, essential for livestock feed, had its first cutting at 30%, slightly behind last year.
The pasture and range conditions were rated 1% very poor, 13% poor, 16% fair, 58% good, and 12% excellent. Stock water supplies were rated 5% very short, 8% short, 79% adequate, and 8% surplus.
While some crops showed slower developmental progress compared to historical averages, favorable weather conditions and adequate moisture levels contributed to generally optimistic outlooks across North Dakota's agricultural sector.
Photo Credit -usda
Categories: North Dakota, Crops