News

Limited winter kill concerns in most of Minnesota

The USDA says precipitation was roughly average during January, while most of the state experienced warmer than normal temperatures.

Frost levels were reported as normal and the snow cover could mean limited winter kill for alfalfa and cover crops. The corn that’s left in the field probably won’t be harvested until spring.

The USDA says there are concerns about livestock bedding because of that slower than normal corn harvest, with reports of straw being hauled in by some producers, but other producers not bringing in more bedding because of the milder temperatures.

Early calving is underway, along with lambing and sheep shearing.

The USDA’s weekly national crop progress and condition reports resume in April.