North Dakota farming progress update

Tuesday, April 30, 2024

For the week ending April 28, 2024, North Dakota experienced 4.4 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. While moisture remains a challenge, farmers are forging ahead with spring planting.

Topsoil moisture supplies are rated at 8% very short, 21% short, 66% adequate, and 5% surplus. Subsoil moisture is at 9% very short, 29% short, 58% adequate, and 4% surplus.

Here's a breakdown of the field crops report:

Spring wheat planting is at 20%, significantly ahead of both last year and the five-year average. Emergence is on par with the average at 1%.
Durum wheat planting is at 8%, also ahead of both last year and the average.
Winter wheat conditions are generally favorable, with 51% rated as good and 2% as excellent. Jointing is at 6%, slightly behind the average.
Corn planting is at 6%, close to the average.
Canola planting is at 4%, matching last year and slightly ahead of the average.
Sugarbeet planting is well ahead of the average at 50%.
Oats and barley planting are both ahead of both last year and the average, with oats at 16% and barley at 16%. Emergence for both is minimal but progressing.
Dry edible peas planting is at 10%, ahead of both last year and the average.
Flaxseed planting is at 1%, consistent with the average.
Potatoes planting is at 15%, significantly ahead of the average.

In terms of pasture and range conditions:

Cattle and calf conditions are generally good, with 74% rated as good and 10% as excellent. Calving progress is on track with last year and the average.
Sheep and lamb conditions are also favorable, with 74% rated as good and 11% as excellent. Lambing progress is on par with last year and the average.
Hay and roughage supplies are mostly adequate, with 80% rated as such and 7% in surplus. Stock water supplies are slightly tighter, with 20% rated as short.

Despite moisture challenges, North Dakota farmers are making progress in spring planting, setting the stage for a promising growing season ahead.

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