Corn planting was 40 percent complete, five days behind last year and eight days behind average, according to this week’s crop report from the United States Department of Agriculture. Soybean planting was behind as well — four days behind last year and nine days behind average.
There have been reports of corn emergence in the southern half of the state.
Above-average temperatures prevailed across the state during the second week of May, but scattered rain late in the week kept farmers in the southern portion of the state from fieldwork recently. In all, there were 4.3 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending May 13.
Minnesota’s spring wheat was 59% planted, one week behind last year and two days behind the five-year average, the USDA said. Eleven percent of the spring wheat crop had emerged — nine days behind last year and 15 days behind average.
Topsoil moisture supplies were rated 1% very short, 6% short, 70% adequate and 23% surplus, the UDSA said. Subsoil temperatures were rated 0% very short, 4% short, 81% adequate and 14% surplus.