Minnesota farmers were able to take advantage of the 4.8 days suitable for fieldwork despite the cool weather during the week ending May 10, 2020 according USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. 

Field activities for the week were crop planting and herbicide application. 

Topsoil moisture supplies were rated 1% very short, 10% short, 80% adequate, and 9% surplus.

Subsoil moisture supplies were rated 0% very short, 6% short, 79% adequate, and 15% surplus. 

Minnesota’s statewide corn planting progress was 89% completed, remaining nearly a month ahead of last year and 2 weeks ahead of the 5-year average. 

Corn emergence reached 32%, which is 19 days ahead of last year and 6 days ahead of average. 

Soybean planting progress was 57% completed, 25 days ahead of last year and 9 days ahead of average. 

Soybean emergence reached 5%, which is 17 days ahead of last year and 5 days ahead of average. 

Spring Wheat planting was 40% complete, 3 days ahead of last year but 9 days behind average. 

The cool weather slowed emergence to 11%, which was also slightly ahead of last year, but well behind average. 

Both oat planting and emergence progress remained at least 2 weeks ahead of last year at 78% and 50%, respectively. 

The first oat condition rating of the season was 0% very poor, 0% poor, 43% fair, 49% good and 8% excellent. 

Barley was 37% planted with 21% emerged. Sunflower planting began 8 days behind average at 6% planted. 

Potato planting progress remained ahead of average at 66% complete. Sugarbeets were 53% planted, behind the average pace by 9 days. 

Dry beans were 15% planted. 

The cool conditions delayed pasture growth and slightly reduced conditions.

Pasture conditions were rated 2% very poor, 11% poor, 22% fair, 56% good and 9% excellent.