News

Rainfall good for some Minnesota farmers, bad for others

Widespread rainfall benefited some Minnesota farmers last week while others could have problems from excess moisture.

In its latest crop progress report, the USDA says there were less than three days suitable for fieldwork—the fewest since late May.

Farm management analyst Kent Thiesse says the Redwood Falls area received up to 10 inches of rain recently.

“When you get standing water in fields late in the growing season, that can lead to some root-rot diseases developing and lead to some late-season problems.  And if (the wetness) continues, it can actually lead to some harvest challenges down the road as well.”

Topsoil moisture supplies in Minnesota are mostly adequate to surplus, with 84 percent of subsoil supplies in either category.

Corn rated good to excellent statewide continues to be more than 80 percent, but the crop is a week behind normal developmentally.

More than 90 percent of soybeans are setting pods—a day ahead of average—with 74 percent of the acreage rated good to excellent.

And the third cutting of alfalfa hay advanced to 74 percent complete.