Planting lag continues across Upper Midwest

Unlike some years, few crops are emerging as planting in 2019 continues to lag past years. This file photo was taken in the Brandon, Minn., area, on May 9, 2015. That year, about 80 percent of the corn and 50 percent of the soybeans were planted. (Mikkel Pates/Agweek)

By Jenny Schlecht / Agweek Staff Writer

May 08, 2019 at 9:35 AM

Planting remains behind even last year's slow pace in the Upper Midwest.

Continued cold, wet conditions kept many farmers in the region out of the field. Montana had 4.2 days suitable for farmwork last week, followed by Minnesota at 2.1, North Dakota at 3.3 and South Dakota at 1.6, according to the May 6 Crop Progress report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which reflects conditions in the week ending May 5.

A more favorable forecast for the coming week could help spur progress.

Here's a crop-by-crop look at how farmers fared:

Corn

Minnesota - 6% planted, compared to 2% last week, 8% last year and 42% for the five-year average.

North Dakota - 3% planted, compared to 1% last week, 6% last year and 23% on average.

South Dakota - 0% planted, compared to 5% last year and 29% on average.

Soybeans

North Dakota has 1% of soybeans in, the same as last year at the same time but behind the average of 7%. Farmers in Minnesota and South Dakota are at 0% for soybeans, compared to the averages of 15% and 5%, respectively.

Sugar beets

Minnesota - 13%, compared to 7% last week, 44% last year and 62% on average.

North Dakota - 17% compared to 7% last week, 58% last year and 62% on average.

Oats

Minnesota - 21%, compared to 12% last week, 24% last year and 55% on average.

North Dakota - 7%, compared to 1% last week, 13% last year and 35% on average.

South Dakota - 16%, compared to 7% last week, 41% last year and 76% on average.

Spring wheat

Minnesota - 7%, compared to 2% last week, 23% last year and 51% on average.

Montana - 32%, compared to 23% last week, 21% last year and 50% on average.

North Dakota - 13%, compared to 5% last week, 18% last year and 37% on average.

South Dakota - 19% compared to 8% last week, 45% last year and 76% on average.