Winter wheat and corn show strong progress

By Scout Nelson

As of the week ending October 20, 2024, North Dakota saw 6.3 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Topsoil moisture supplies were rated at 19% very short, 37% short, 42% adequate, and 2% surplus. Subsoil moisture followed similar trends, with 18% very short, 33% short, 47% adequate, and 2% surplus.

Field Crops Report:

The soybean harvest reached 89%, surpassing last year’s 80% and the five-year average of 73%.

Winter wheat conditions were assessed as 2% very poor, 11% poor, 29% fair, 51% good, and 7% excellent. Winter wheat planting was near completion at 94%, close to the 91% from last year and the 96% average. Emergence was reported at 83%, ahead of last year’s 73% and near the 80% average.

Corn condition rated 2% very poor, 8% poor, 22% fair, 59% good, and 9% excellent. Around 95% of corn had matured, slightly behind last year’s 99% but ahead of the 91% average. The corn harvest stood at 47%, surpassing last year’s 40% and the five-year average of 38%.

Sugarbeet harvest was at 88%, exceeding last year’s 80% and the 71% average.

Sunflower harvest progress was at 28%, ahead of last year’s 19% and close to the 27% average. Sunflowers rated 1% very poor, 3% poor, 31% fair, 62% good, and 3% excellent.

The potato harvest was at 92%, slightly behind last year’s 99% but near the 89% average.

Pasture and Range Report:

Pasture and range conditions were rated 16% very poor, 25% poor, 29% fair, 29% good, and 1% excellent. Stock water supplies were 14% very short, 24% short, 60% adequate, and 2% surplus.

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