By Scout Nelson
North Dakota experienced nearly 6 days perfect for fieldwork last week, as stated by the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. When it comes to moisture, topsoil is mostly in the adequate range at 72%, with only 5% falling under very short. Subsoil follows a similar pattern, with 60% being adequate, but a bit higher at 8% for very short.
Soybeans seem to be facing some challenges with 5% in very poor condition, yet 66% of the crop has been harvested. This is a bit slow compared to last year's 73%, but it's doing better than the five-year average of 59%.
Winter wheat is looking mostly good at 61%, with planting reaching 90%, quite close to past records. About 70% has emerged, which is in line with previous years.
Corn is mostly thriving with 58% in good shape and 6% in excellent condition. It's maturing well at 96%, which is better than last year and the average. Harvesting is at 27%, fairly close to what it was last year.
Canola seems almost fully harvested at 94%, just slightly behind the usual pace. Sugarbeets are mostly good at 60%, but harvested portions are lagging at 64%, which is behind compared to last year.
Sunflowers are mostly fair or good, with no portion in very poor condition. Harvesting, however, is slow at just 7%, trailing significantly from last year's 24%.
Flaxseed harvesting is at 87%, falling behind the usual 94%. Potatoes are doing well, with 96% harvested, matching last year and topping the average. Dry edible beans are also nearly there at 92%, a bit ahead of the average pace.
Lastly, pasture and range conditions are largely positive with 50% good, but stock water supplies are mostly adequate at 81%, ensuring animals have what they need.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-fotokostic
Categories: North Dakota, Crops, Harvesting