(NDAgConnection.com) – Producers in North Dakota had another week with no planting activity. Across the state, temperatures the last week were 5-15 degrees below normal. In the eastern third of the state, precipitation the last week has caused soils to become more saturated and overland flooding is occurring, especially in the northeast portion of the state. In western areas, much of the snow that fell in mid to late April has melted and the moisture from the substantial snowfall was appreciated and helped alleviate drought conditions. However, soils remain saturated and the cool temperatures are not helping things dry out very well. Many producers report will be 10-14 days before they begin planting.

While spring wheat planting has been limited in North Dakota and Minnesota, producers further west have been able to get some of the crop in the ground. The latest USDA/NASS Crop Progress Report indicates that 19% of the U.S. crop has been planted, behind the average of 28% and last year’s pace of 46%. In Montana, about 31% has been planted, and in South Dakota 48% has been planted. Both of those values are near the five year average.

Producers in North Dakota have made no progress planting the durum crop due to the snowfall and continued cool, wet conditions. Temperatures are supposed to warm up this week which should help, but planting is still a ways away.