North Dakota is facing a season of weather challenges. While regions like Regan grapple with frequent August rains causing harvest delays, other parts of the state are thirsty for a drop.
Eastern North Dakota was initially parched due to lack of rain, but some relief arrived between Aug. 12-14. The U.S. Drought Monitor highlights dry spells in the northeastern and entire northern parts. The Langdon Research Extension Center, despite recording a notably dry July, remains optimistic. Their crops look promising thanks to beneficial snow during April's second blizzard.
In August massive wind and hail storms hit northwestern and central parts, causing extensive damage to crop and causing significant damage. Winds up to 80 mph wreaked havoc near the Missouri River and extending through McLean and Mercer counties. The Mercer County Extension office labeled the damage to crops as "significant".
Farmers are enduring these challenges in their own ways. In eastern North Dakota, some farmers have turned to irrigation as a coping mechanism. At the same time, farmers from Rolette, notices daily yield drops on his soybeans due to worsening conditions.
Hope emerges in LaMoure County in the southeastern part. An NDSU Extension agent, shares that recent rains have brought some respite. Their crops, previously stressed, are now rejuvenating with the combined effect of rain, sunshine, and heat.
Statewide, soybeans are gauged at 49 percent good-to-excellent condition. Corn stands at 63 percent, and spring wheat at 42 percent. Currently, soybeans are at the pod formation stage, 4 percent of durum has been harvested, and 35 percent of corn is in the dough phase. Sunflower blooming is also in full swing at 83 percent.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-banksphotos
Categories: North Dakota, Crops, Weather