WINONA, Minn. – Farmers welcomed the off-and-on drenching rain of recent days amid concern about a continuation of the 2023 drought and a precipitation-light winter. The rains, however, kept them out of the field and delayed planting. Even so, statewide, planting is ahead of previous years. The U.S. Agriculture Department reported that Minnesota’s main crop, corn, is 39% as in the ground — one week ahead of last year and four days ahead of the five-year average. Details:
Corn
2024: 39%
2023: 24%
Five-year average: 27%
Soybeans
2024: 90%
2023: 80%
Five-year: 12%
Oats
2024: 25%
2023: 13%
Five-year: 77%