McKenzie County Farmer - Latest News

By M.K. French
Farmer Staff Writer

Despite a noticeable dryness gripping parts of the state, North Dakota’s farmers are making significant strides in spring planting, outpacing historical averages for several key crops, according to the latest USDA report released April 28. The report highlights an interesting trend: while soil moisture levels are a concern in some areas, the early momentum in planting suggests a determined push to capitalize on the available fieldwork days.

For the week ending April 27, the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service reported 4.8 days were suitable for fieldwork. This window of opportunity has allowed producers to get a head start on several crops. Spring wheat planting is leading the charge at 19 percent complete, slightly ahead of last year’s 18 percent and well above the five-year average of 12 percent. Durum wheat planting is also significantly ahead, with 17 percent in the ground compared to 7 percent last year and the 6 percent average. Corn, canola, oats, barley, and dry edible peas are also showing planting progress ahead of their respective five-year averages.

However, this progress is occurring against a backdrop of increasing dryness. Topsoil moisture is rated as 11 percent very short and 32 percent short, meaning over 40 percent of the state is experiencing less than adequate moisture in the crucial top layer for germination and early growth. Subsoil moisture, vital for sustained plant development, mirrors this concern with 14 percent rated very short and 31 percent short. This dry trend could become a significant factor as the growing season progresses, potentially impacting yields if timely rains don’t materialize.

Interestingly, sugarbeet and potato planting are exceptions to the accelerated pace. Sugarbeet planting, at 31 percent, is lagging behind last year’s 45 percent, although it remains ahead of the 16 percent average. Potato planting is also behind last year, with only 3 percent complete compared to 14 percent last year and near the 5 percent average. These slower starts could be attributed to various factors, including localized field conditions or strategic planting decisions.

The condition of winter wheat, which overwintered in the fields, offers a mixed picture. While 43 percent is rated as good, a concerning 19 percent is in very poor to poor condition. This highlights the potential impact of the preceding months’ weather on established crops.

On the livestock front, cattle and calf conditions are generally positive, with 66 percent rated good and 7 percent excellent. Calving is also progressing well, with 73 percent complete, aligning with both last year and the average. Similarly, sheep and lamb conditions are favorable. However, shearing progress for sheep is slightly behind schedule, indicating a potential lag in this crucial spring task.
Hay and roughage supplies, essential for livestock feed, are showing some strain, with 5 percent rated very short and 14 percent short. Stock water supplies also reflect the drier conditions, with 8 percent very short and 27 percent short. These factors could influence grazing decisions and the overall well-being of livestock if the dryness persists.

The early planting progress in North Dakota offers a glimmer of optimism, but the increasing dryness across the state casts a shadow of uncertainty over the agricultural season. Farmers will likely be hoping for timely precipitation to support the promising start they’ve made in the fields. The delicate balance between capitalizing on favorable fieldwork conditions and the growing need for moisture will be a defining narrative for regional agriculture in the weeks ahead.

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