Below normal temperatures throughout Minnesota slowed crop development last week. The USDA is reporting concerns about freeze damage in the northern and central parts of the state.
While planting is nearing completion for several crops, farmers are looking for warmer temperatures to support development. As of Sunday, corn was 93-percent planted. Soybean planting was 63-percent complete. And planting of small grains is nearing completion. Potatoes reached 91 percent planted. Sunflowers were 57-percent planted.
Topsoil moisture supplies were rated one percent very short, 12 percent short, 74 percent adequate, and 13 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were rated two percent very short, nine percent short, 79 percent adequate, and 10 percent surplus.
There were 2.3 days suitable for fieldwork last week. In southern Minnesota it was less due to continued rain at 1.5 days or less.