North Dakota Crop Progress Shows Steady Planting Growth

By Scout Nelson

For the week ending April 27, 2025, North Dakota farmers made steady planting progress, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). There were 4.8 days suitable for fieldwork across the state.

Topsoil moisture was reported at 11% very short, 32% short, 54% adequate, and 3% surplus. Subsoil moisture was 14% very short, 31% short, 53% adequate, and 2% surplus—showing some dryness concerns statewide.

Crop planting activity is underway. Spring wheat was 19% planted, slightly ahead of last year and the five-year average. Two percent of the crop had already emerged. Durum wheat followed at 17% planted, well above average.

Corn planting reached 7%, which is ahead of the five-year average. Soybeans started at 2%, while oats reached 19% planted, with 2% emerged. Sugar beets were 31% planted—below last year’s 45% but ahead of the 16% average.

Canola planting stood at 4%, the potatoes at 3%, and flaxseed at 3%. Dry edible peas reached 16% planted, ahead of past years. Barley planting was at 10%, and 2% had emerged.

Winter wheat showed mixed conditions, rated 7% very poor, 12% poor, 38% fair, and 43% good. Joining was at 2%, behind historical averages.

Livestock conditions were mostly positive. Cattle and calves were rated 66% good and 7% excellent. Calving progress was 73% complete. Sheep and lambs had similar ratings, with lambing at 87% and shearing at 86%.

Hay and roughage supplies remained steady, with 75% adequate. Stock water supplies showed 8% very short, 27% short, and 63% adequate.

Photo Credit:usda