News

Minnesota crop condition ratings tick higher

The USDA says the condition of Minnesota’s corn and soybeans improved slightly during the first week of July.

As of Sunday, 85 percent of corn and 83 percent of soybeans are rated good to excellent.

Corn silking reached two percent, and 43 percent of soybeans are blooming.  That compares to the five-year average of 20 percent.

University of Minnesota Extension crops educator Dave Nicolai tells Brownfield corn is thriving thanks to adequate rainfall and plenty of Growing Degree Day Units.

“We’re well past the old adage of ‘knee high by the Fourth of July.’ We’re obviously shoulder high in a lot of corn fields and almost to tasseling. So things are moving along (and) I’m seeing good color in a lot of fields.”

He says that’s indicative of good nutrient uptake.

For spring wheat, 85 percent is headed and 77 percent is rated good to excellent.

Sugarbeet condition declined slightly to 95 percent good to excellent.

And Minnesota’s second cutting of alfalfa hay is 40 percent complete, 16 days ahead of last year and two days ahead of normal.