By Scout Nelson
North Dakota's agricultural terrain was active with 4.6 days fitting for fieldwork as of the week ending October 1, 2023, as documented by the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Soil moisture levels mostly hovered in the 'adequate' zone for both topsoil and subsoil.
A look at soybeans showed 92% dropping leaves, matching the five-year trend and surpassing last year's percentage. About 23% was harvested, maintaining last year's pace, though slightly behind the typical average. Durum wheat neared full harvest at 92%, aligning closely with past figures.
Winter wheat's planting rate was a tad slow at 65%, but the emergence of 36% was commendably ahead of last year's statistics. The corn's scenario was promising: the majority was in good condition, 73% had matured (outdoing both last year's and the average rate), and 8% was harvested.
Canola's harvest was almost on par with the usual figures at 88%. Sugarbeets showcased a majority in good condition with 17% harvested, aligning with last year's rate but trailing the average. Sunflowers stood robust too, with almost all their ray flowers dried and a notable percentage of bracts having turned brown.
In the other crops category, flaxseed's harvest was slightly slow at 72%, whereas potatoes exhibited a strong performance with 74% harvested, overcoming both last year's and the average rates. Dry edible beans' harvest was consistent with previous years at 74%.
Pasture and range conditions remained largely favorable, with a combined 52% categorized as good to excellent. Lastly, stock water supplies were majorly deemed 'adequate', indicating a satisfactory water reserve for the livestock.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-steve-greer
Categories: North Dakota, Crops