News

Corn silage harvest underway in Minnesota

The corn silage harvest is underway in Minnesota.

USDA’s latest weekly crop progress report shows 10 percent of silage has been chopped, compared to 67 percent last year and the five-year average of 40 percent.

Grain corn development remains about two weeks behind normal with 52 percent rated in good to excellent condition.

Soybeans turning color is near 50 percent, 10 days behind last year and eight days slower than usual.

Beans rated good to excellent dropped slightly to 55 percent.

Southwest Minnesota farmer Bryan Biegler says his area has received more than six inches of rain over the past week, some of which was welcome.

“Some of our sandier spots, hilltops and stuff, we’re starting to show a little drought stress. So (the rain) will probably get them green again and help them finish off a little bit.”

The spring wheat harvest is more than 80 percent done and the harvest of sugarbeets is nine percent complete.

Minnesota pasture conditions improved to 64 percent good to excellent with the recent moisture.