Dry in the West, Wet in the East
Rain and snow helped alleviate dry conditions across much of the Northern Plains, but extreme drought conditions worsened inareas not receiving this moisture. The latest U.S. Drought Monitor shows extreme drought conditions in North Dakota worsening to reflect growing moisture deficits. That extreme drought now covers 76 percent of the state, an increase of six […]
Crop Progress Report – April 12, 2021
In North Dakota, USDA’s National Ag Statistics Service says there were 5.8 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending April 11. Topsoil moisture is rated 83 percent short to very short, and subsoil moisture is rated 80 percent short to very short. Minnesota farmers had 2.4 days suitable for fieldwork dur the week ending […]
Extreme Drought Conditions Expand
For another week, drought conditions continue to expand across the Dakotas. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, extreme drought now covers 70 percent of North Dakota, including the west, central and northeastern portions of the state. The remaining portion is in moderate to severe drought. On the flip side, Minnesota’s dry conditions are improving, with […]
2020 Dry Bean Grower Survey Highlights
The 2020 Dry Bean Grower Survey of Production, Pest Problems and Pesticide Use provides important data on dry bean production, pest problems and pesticide use in Minnesota and North Dakota. Research and Extension faculty at North Dakota State University, along with directors of the Northarvest Bean Growers Association (NHBGA), develop the survey form. Survey respondents […]
Dry Conditions Expand in North Dakota
The lack of moisture and warmer than normal temperatures are causing extreme drought conditions to expand across the Dakotas. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, extreme drought now extends from border to border across 29 central and western counties in North Dakota. The remaining portion of North Dakota is in moderate to severe condition. […]
MN Farms See Higher Income in 2020
Despite the challenges of COVID-19, Minnesota farms saw improved profitability in 2020, primarily due to higher commodity prices in the third and fourth quarters of 2020. Median net farm income for Minnesota farms reached $106,969 in 2020, a welcome increase after seven years of low profitability. When adjusted for inflation, 2020 farm profits were […]
Dry Bean Plantings Expected to Decline This Year
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released its prospective plantings report Wednesday, March 31. Farmers intend to plant 1.54 million acres of dry edible beans in 2021. That’s down 11 percent from the previous season’s 1.74 million acres. Planted area is expected to be below last year in all estimating states except Washington. […]
Dry Conditions Expand in North Dakota
While dry conditions in Minnesota remain unchanged from the previous week, extreme and severe drought conditions are expanding in North Dakota. According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor, extreme drought conditions stretch upward from Billings County into Towner County, North Dakota. The drought conditions in Walsh, Grand Forks and Nelson counties are worsening to more […]
Positive Balance Projected for Minnesota in Latest Economic Forecast
Today, Minnesota Management and Budget released the 2021 February Economic Forecast for the state. There is no longer an anticipated shortfall for Fiscal Year 2022-23. Now, Minnesota projects a positive balance of $1.6 billion because of a higher revenue forecast, lower state spending and an increased surplus for the current fiscal year. View the presentation.
Governor Walz Releases 2022-23 Biennium Budget
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz released a $52 billion budget proposal for the 2022-23 biennium. The proposal would raise taxes for corporations and the wealthy. It emphasizes small business support because of the coronavirus and provides an increase in the general fund for education. The Minnesota Agriculture Department’s budget proposal has a three-percent (about $4 million) […]