MN Crop Harvest Wrapping Up

Sunshine and much warmer than normal temperatures allowed for a rapid corn harvest pace throughout Minnesota during the week ending November 8, 2020, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. 

There were 6.4 days suitable for fieldwork, the second most of the year. 

The University of Minnesota’s Soil, Water, and Climate department reported temperatures of 12 to 18 degrees higher than normal. 

Daily high temperature records were observed at Artichoke Lake, Lamberton, Milan, New Ulm, Redwood Falls, Wheaton, and Windom. 

Field activities included manure and fertilizer application, fall tillage and harvesting  corn for grain. 

The unseasonably warm weather decreased both topsoil and subsoil moisture supplies statewide, but dried some previous muddy fields for harvest. 

Topsoil moisture condition rated 2% very short, 12% short, 81% adequate and 5% surplus. 

Subsoil moisture condition rated 5% very short, 15% short, 75% adequate and 5% surplus. 

Corn for grain harvest was 93% complete, 29 days ahead of last year and 13 days ahead of the 5-year average. 

Corn moisture content of grain at harvest rated at 16%.