USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service Reveals the Potato Acreages in Minnesota and North Dakota

In Minnesota, US, up to 81% of the fields were planted with potatoes by May 8, compared with 48 percent one week ago, according to USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Warm and dry weather across much of Minnesota created near optimal conditions for fieldwork during the week ending May 8. There were 5.8 days suitable for fieldwork.

Topsoil moisture supplies were rated 3 percent very short, 17 percent short, 76 percent adequate, and 4 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were rated 2 percent very short, 11 percent short, 80 percent adequate, and 7 percent surplus.

Potatoes reached 81 percent planted compared to just 48 percent one week ago. That is 15 days ahead of average, but 3 days behind last year.

NORTH DAKOTA - For the week ending May 8, dry conditions allowed producers to make good planting progress, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service.

With the exception of some isolated areas in the south central part of the State, no moisture was received. Even though producers did benefit from the dry conditions to plant their crops, more moisture is needed to aid germination. Temperatures were three to nine degrees above normal across much of the State. There were 6.8 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 1 percent very short, 18 short, 78 adequate and 3 surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 1 percent very short, 16 short, 81 adequate and 2 surplus. Potatoes planted were 33 percent, behind 40 last year, but ahead of 20 average.