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Minnesota planting progress slowed by rain

Wet, cool weather limited planting progress in Minnesota last week.

The USDA Crop Progress report says corn planting remains well ahead of normal at 59 percent complete, but is now a little behind last year’s pace.

With only two days suitable for fieldwork statewide, six percent of the soybean crop is in; on par with the five year average but four days slower than 2015.

Small grain seeding remains ahead of normal, with 63 percent of the spring wheat acreage, 82 percent of oats and 46 percent of the barley crop in the ground.

Sugar beet planting is three weeks ahead of average at 88 percent complete.

And 48 percent of Minnesota’s potato acreage has been planted, 10 days faster than normal.