The 2025 planting season is getting off to a good start in North Dakota, although producers in the state would likely welcome more rain.
The latest weekly state crop progress report shows the planting of many of the state’s crops underway, with early progress generally ahead of the five-year average.
The spring wheat crop was reported at 10% planted as of Sunday, ahead of 6% last year and 5% on average, while durum was 5% planted, versus 2% for last year and the average. An estimated 1% of the state spring wheat crop had emerged as of Sunday.
Oat planting in North Dakota reached 9% complete as of Sunday, well ahead of 4% last year and 2% on average, with barley 5% planted, a couple of points ahead of last year and average. At 7% complete, dry pea planting was 4 points ahead of last year and 5 points ahead of average. Canola was pegged at 2% planted as of Sunday.
No corn or soybean planting had occurred in the state as of Sunday.
The report said North Dakota producers had nearly 4 days suitable for fieldwork this past week, amid mostly dry conditions. Topsoil moisture in the state was reported at 45% short to very short as of Sunday, up from 37% last year. According to the US drought monitor, more than 57% of North Dakota was being impacted by some form of drought as of April 15, the highest since early March 2023.
Most of North Dakota and the rest of the US northern Plains received just light precipitation over the weekend, but World Weather said today greater amounts should fall over the next week, which should provide a much-needed boost in soil moisture. Meanwhile, near to below average temperatures will keep evaporation rates low and help conserve soil moisture, World Weather added.
