(ND Ag Connection) – By Scout Nelson

For the week ending October 6, 2024, the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service reported 6.4 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture supplies were 11% very short, 31% short, 54% adequate, and 4% surplus, while subsoil moisture supplies were rated 10% very short, 26% short, 58% adequate, and 6% surplus.

In the field crops report, soybean conditions were rated 2% very poor, 5% poor, 26% fair, 58% good, and 9% excellent. Soybeans dropping leaves reached 95%, with 52% of the crop harvested, surpassing last year’s 36% at this time.

Winter wheat conditions were 63% good and 4% excellent, with 79% of the crop planted, matching both last year and the five-year average. Corn conditions were 58% good, though the crop’s maturity was slightly delayed compared to previous years. Only 8% of the corn had been harvested, trailing last year’s 12%.

Canola and flaxseed harvests were largely complete, with canola at 90% and flaxseed at 97%. Sugarbeet conditions were impressive, with 77% of the crop rated excellent, and sunflower conditions were 61% good. Potatoes were 78% harvested, and dry edible beans were 88%.

Pasture conditions were stable, with 40% rated good. Stock water supplies showed adequate levels, with only 9% rated very short. Overall, fieldwork and crop progress showed steady improvement across the board.