News

Beneficial rain falls across Minnesota

Beneficial rain fell over parts of Minnesota last week.

USDA’s latest crop update says the majority of topsoil and subsoil moisture statewide is rated short to adequate despite the recent precipitation.

Southeast Minnesota corn and soybean grower Ryan Buck tells Brownfield his crops look relatively good considering the dry start to the growing season.

“We were on the benefiting end of some rain here in the last few days that have helped things. We did get some scattered showers the last couple weeks (as well).”

Condition ratings for corn improved one percent on the week to 44 percent good to excellent, with 17 percent at the dent stage.

Soybeans are 45 percent good to excellent, two percentage points higher, with reports of plants beginning to turn color.

Buck says his beans might be a little behind because of the lack of rain.

“But now that we’ve gotten rain and it looks like it’s going to continue to stay warm here, it should push things along.”

Small grain harvest advanced last week with oats 59 percent harvested, spring wheat at 28 percent, and barley at 30 percent.

Some corn has been chopped for silage, and the second cutting of alfalfa is 94 percent complete.