A handful of North Dakota farmers have tried to start planting last week. However, USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service says, on average, farmers intend to begin fieldwork closer to May. Topsoil moisture is rated 93 percent adequate to surplus.
During the week April 8, freezing rain followed by wet snow and high winds further delayed field activities in southern Minnesota. USDA reports some farmers got into the fields to apply fertilizer the week prior to the storm.
Farmers ranging from the Pacific Northwest to Wyoming and Colorado have begun the 2019 planting season. At this time, no dry bean plantings have been reported by USDA. Stay up to date on the latest Crop Progress reports by clicking here.