ST. PAUL (AP) -- Soil moisture across the state improved last week thanks to several rainstorms, the Minnesota Agricultural Statistics Service reported Monday.
Producers were still reporting that the long awaited rains are too late to aid crops for this year. Harvest activities were in full swing. There were 4.8 days suitable for fieldwork.
The statewide average temperature was 58.8 degrees, which was 1.6 degrees above normal. Statewide topsoil moisture conditions as of Sept. 19 were rated 19 percent very short, 30 percent short, 48 percent adequate and 3 percent surplus.
Corn had reached maturity on 77 percent of the acreage compared to 49 percent last year and 58 percent for the five-year average. Soybeans had reached maturity on 53 percent of the acreage compared to 38 percent last year and 39 percent for the five-year average.
Corn for grain was 4 percent harvested compared to 1 percent last year and 3 percent for the five-year average. Soybeans were 10 percent harvested compared to 6 percent last year and 10 percent for the five-year average.
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The corn condition rating of good to excellent was 31 percent, compared with 24 percent last week. Soybean condition was rated 28 percent good to excellent versus 24 percent the week before.
Dry bean harvesting was 55 percent complete compared with 47 percent last year and 51 percent for the five-year average. Potatoes were 48 percent harvested compared with 37 percent last year and 36 percent for the five-year average.
Sugarbeets harvested were 8 percent harvested compared to 4 percent last year and 7 percent for the five-year average.
