What’s Going on With Minnesota Crops?

USDA published the latest Crop Progress report on Monday, Sept. 8. Here’s a closer look at recent weather and the status of Minnesota’s most important crops as September started out.

Weather

Jared Goplen, agronomy manager for Wyffels Hybrids, said some areas have gotten down to about 35°F, but he hasn’t heard any frost reports. There was a heavy dew and good moisture in most fields, which he thinks helped minimize frost risk.

“Otherwise the weather has been conducive to late grainfill — moderate temperatures with relatively good sunshine,” he reported. “I expect crops that have kept their green color to continue adding on bushels!”

In Monday’s Crop Progress report, USDA said farmers had 5.2 days suitable for fieldwork the week that ended Sept. 7, compared to 6.2 days this time last year.

USDA rated Minnesota topsoil moisture 1% very short, 7% short, 78% adequate, and 14% surplus. Subsoil moisture conditions in the state were rated 1% very short, 8% short, 77% adequate, and 14% surplus.

Corn

Acreage Estimates

According to the June 30 Acreage report, Minnesota farmers planted 8.5 million acres of corn in 2025. This is up about 300,000 acres from the previous year, said USDA.

Pest and Disease Pressure

A map published by the Crop Protection Network shows there are 25 counties with positive tar spot cases. 

Goplen said, “Farmers will be getting equipment ready very quickly as some fields that were affected heavily by southern rust will likely start to come out in the next week or two. Goss’s Wilt is another disease that has caused premature plant death in areas that had hail and heavy wind this summer.”

Corn Dough

The latest Crop Progress report said 94% of Minnesota’s corn crop has reached the dough stage. The five-year average is 96%. Last year at this time, 92% of the state’s corn had reached the dough stage.

Corn Dent

USDA reported 61% of Minnesota’s corn crop has reached the dent stage. The five-year average is 70%. Last year at this time, 52% had reached the dent stage.

Corn Mature

The latest Crop Progress reported 14% of Minnesota’s corn crop has reached maturity. The five-year average is 18%. Last year at this time, 11% had reached maturity.

Corn Condition

USDA rated Minnesota corn 2% very poor, 6% poor, 19% fair, 50% good, and 23% excellent for the week that ended Sept. 7.

That is similar to the national average rating of 3% very poor, 6% poor, 23% fair, 49% good, and 19% excellent.

Soybeans

Acreage Estimates

The Acreage report published June 30 said Minnesota planted 7 million acres of soybeans this year. That is down 400,000 acres from 2024.

Soybeans Setting Pods

Although 97% of the nation’s soybeans have reached the pod growth stage, Minnesota’s slightly ahead at 99%. 

Soybean Dropping Leaves

USDA reported 4% of Minnesota’s soybean crop dropping leaves. The five-year average is 16%. Last year at this time 4% were dropping leaves. 

Goplen noted, “Soybean harvest is still a week or two out throughout my geography. Most fields in Iowa have begun losing their color and my coverage area up into Minnesota is starting to see most fields just start to lighten up in color. I would expect some early varieties planted early to start coming out of the field next week.”

Soybean Condition

USDA rated Minnesota soybeans 1% very poor, 5% poor, 19% fair, 54% good, and 21% excellent for the week that ended Sept. 7.

The national average ratings are 3% very poor, 7% poor, 26% fair, 50% good, and 14% excellent over the same time period.

Spring Wheat

Acreage Estimates

USDA’s acreage report said Minnesota farmers planted 1.21 million acres of spring wheat in 2025. That is down 10,000 acres from last year.

Spring Wheat Harvested

USDA noted 97% of spring wheat has been harvested in Minnesota. This is ahead the five-year average of 87%. Last year at this time, 87% of Minnesota’s spring wheat had been harvested.

Barley

Acreage Estimates

The June 30 Acreage report said Minnesota farmers are expected to harvest 40,000 acres of barley this year, as 50,000 acres were planted. Harvested acres are up from 25,000 acres in 2024.

Barley Harvested

Most of Minnesota’s barley crop has been harvested, specifically 97% That is ahead of the five-year average of 89%. Last year at this time, 88% of the state’s crop had been harvested.

Oats

Acreage Estimates

USDA’s June 30 Acreage report said Minnesota farmers planted 215,000 acres of oats this year. That is up 10,000 acres from 2024.

USDA estimated 140,000 acres of oats will be harvested this year, the same as 2024.

Oats Harvested

The Crop Progress report indicated 98% of Minnesota oats have been harvested. That is ahead of the five-year average of 95%. Last year at this time, 93% of Minnesota oats were harvested.

Pasture and Range

USDA rated pasture and range conditions in the state 2% very poor, 7% poor, 29% fair, 44% good, and 18% excellent.