By Scout Nelson
North Dakota farmers are off to a strong start this growing season, with many crops planted earlier than average. For the week ending May 4, 2025, weather conditions allowed 4.6 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.
Soil moisture levels are holding steady. Topsoil moisture is rated 57% adequate, while subsoil moisture stands at 51% adequate. However, concerns remain in some areas with 11% of topsoil and 14% of subsoil rated very short.
Soybean planting reaches 10%, a strong improvement over 3% at this time last year. Spring wheat planting is at 35%, with 8% already emerging. Durum wheat sees the biggest jump, with 44% planted and 6% emerged, far ahead of previous years.
Corn is progressing steadily, with 17% planted and 1% emerged. Canola is also on track, with 12% planted, ahead of its five-year average. Sugarbeet planting leads the way at 74%, far surpassing the average of 35%.
Oat planting hits 34%, with 8% emergence. Barley stands at 24% planted, with 5% emerging. Dry edible peas show healthy progress, with 31% planted and 3% emerged. Flaxseed planting is at 7%, while potato planting is at 14%. Dry edible beans are at 2%.
Winter wheat conditions are mixed, with only 1% rated excellent and 12% very poor. Only 5% of winter wheat has reached the jointed stage, slightly behind the normal pace.
Pasture and range conditions show 34% in good to excellent condition. Stock water supplies remain mostly adequate but are tight in some areas, with 9% rated very short.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: North Dakota, Crops, Soybeans, Weather