North Dakota Crop Progress and Livestock Update 2025

By Scout Nelson

In the week ending April 6, 2025, North Dakota reported only 1.7 days suitable for fieldwork, limiting spring preparations. Producers plan to start planting by April 24, matching typical schedules.

Topsoil moisture supplies were 13 percent very short, 36 percent short, 48 percent adequate, and 3 percent surplus, while subsoil levels stood at 15 percent very short, 41 percent short, 42 percent adequate, and 2 percent surplus. Figures highlight concerns.

Spring wheat planting advanced to 1 percent, matching the five-year average. Winter wheat conditions ranged from 1 percent very poor to 1 percent excellent, with 21 percent poor, 39 percent fair, and 38 percent good.

These ratings underscore varied crop vigor and the strong need for favorable weather. Timely precipitation is crucial for further progress, as producers closely monitor soil conditions and await warmer temperatures to encourage proper plant emergence.

Cattle and calf conditions were reported at 1 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 24 percent fair, 64 percent good, and 8 percent excellent. Death loss remained mostly average, with 1 percent heavy and 44 percent light. Overall calving reached 43 percent, near last year’s pace of 42 percent. Sheep and lamb conditions were similar, with 1 percent very poor and 9 percent excellent, indicating generally stable livestock performance statewide.

Sheep and lamb death loss matched cattle trends, at 1 percent heavy, 55 percent average, and 44 percent light. Lambing progress reached 59 percent, lagging last year’s 66 percent. Shearing stood at 64 percent, also below the previous 76 percent average.

Despite slower rates, many producers remain optimistic, especially with adequate hay stocks reported at 7 percent very short, 13 percent short, 75 percent adequate, and 5 percent surplus. 

Stock water supplies were 12 percent very short, 27 percent short, 59 percent adequate, and 2 percent surplus. Overall conditions highlight localized moisture challenges, yet sufficient resources continue supporting livestock and crop operations.

Observers expect improved conditions once warmer weather and timely precipitation arrive. Producers anticipate better fieldwork opportunities after April 24, hoping to see spring wheat emergence. These developments suggest an overall hopeful outlook for North Dakota’s growing season.

Photo Credits:usda