By Scout Nelson
North Dakota farmers are off to a strong start this spring, making good progress in planting key crops across the state. According to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, there were 6.6 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending May 11, 2025.
Top-soil moisture is currently limited, with 20% rated very short and 36% short. Subsoil moisture is also low, with 17% very short and 34% short. These dry conditions continue to affect both crops and pastureland.
Soybean planting is at 26%, which is far ahead of both last year’s 6% and the five-year average of 8%. Spring wheat is 58% planted and 20% emerged, showing better progress than past years. Durum wheat planting is at 62%, with 20% already emerging, compared to 9% at this time last year.
Corn is also moving ahead quickly, with 41% planted and 5% emerging, a large jump from previous years. Canola planting stands at 27%, and sugar beets are at 77%, ahead of average but slightly behind last year’s pace.
Winter wheat condition shows mixed results: 13% very poor, 21% poor, 33% fair, 32% good, and 1% excellent. Only 11% have joined, lower than in previous years.
Oats are 55% planted and 18% emerged, with most rated as fair to good. Barley is 44% planted and 11% emerged. Other crops such as dry peas (59% planted), sunflowers (7%), flaxseed (11%), and dry beans (15%) are progressing steadily. Potatoes are 39% planted.
Pasture and range conditions are variable, with 34% rated poor or very poor. Stock water supplies remain a concern, with 43% short or very short.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: North Dakota, Crops, Government & Policy