Precipitation, snowmelt and saturated soils continued to limit field activities in Minnesota with 2.0 days suitable for fieldwork statewide during the week ending April 19, 2020, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.
Livestock producers reported greening pastures, calving and manure hauling.
Other field activities for the week were fertilizer and manure application, rock picking, as well as vegetable and oat planting.
Topsoil moisture supplies were rated 1 percent very short, 1 percent short, 61 percent adequate, and 37 percent surplus.
Subsoil moisture supplies were rated 1 percent very short, 1 percent short, 55 percent adequate, and 43 percent surplus.
Barley was 2 percent planted compared to the 5-year average of 14 percent.
Ten percent of the expected oat crop has been planted, one week ahead of last year but 6 days behind the 5-year average.
Potatoes were 3 percent planted, compared to the average of 11 percent.
Sugarbeets were 2 percent planted compared to the 29 percent average.
Scattered corn and spring wheat planting was reported.
