IP Crop Network – April Report

To those in agriculture, spring is like a breath of fresh air; a clean slate to nurture and grow the next crop that will feed the world. SSGA’s IP Crop Network will be published twice a month, highlighting growing conditions for identity preserved crops from different regions around the country. The reports include both first-hand accounts and data from the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) weekly Crop Progress reports. 

There has been very little planting in North Dakota. A small amount of small grains have been planted, including 10% of spring wheat. Three percent of sugar beets have been planted, slightly below the five-year average.  

Planting in Minnesota is just ramping up, too, with 3% of soybeans planted and 9% of corn planted. Several farmers in various locations around the state planned to start planting this week. 62% of topsoil and 53 of subsoil has adequate moisture. 

In northwest Wisconsin, soil conditions are quite dry and cool. There have been some early small grains seeded but very little corn or soybean planting has happened. Fertilizer is being broadcast and some light tillage on fields that are fit to be on. Sub-soil conditions are very dry. 

In southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois, there are some reports of food-grade soybeans being planted. Ground temperatures are slightly low but as temperatures rise this week, a significant increase in planting activity should follow.  

The southern third of Illinois is very wet. Some planting is occurring on dry ridges and sand, but overall, 10% of the state’s soybeans are planted and 7% of corn is planted. Growers in eastern Illinois reported fast and furious planting of soybeans in the last several days. One eager grower in eastern Illinois planted a small amount of soybeans in mid-March, but with too much moisture, the beans only just emerged a few days ago.  

There are just a few fields of soybeans planted in Michigan at this time. Most fields are a little wet and temperatures are cold. There is rain in the weather forecast but also warmer temperatures. Many growers are hopeful to begin planting the last week of April but will wait for good conditions.  

Growers will continue to monitor conditions and will eagerly begin planting as soon as their fields are ready. Stay tuned for more updates from SSGA throughout the growing season.  View the entire NASS report from April 21 here.