Dry ground, steady calving: North Dakota farmers navigate early spring challenges
M.K. French
Farmer Staff Writer
As the first hints of spring emerge across North Dakota, farmers and ranchers are facing a mixed bag of conditions, according to the latest USDA agricultural report, with dry soil conditions raising concerns even as calving progresses at a steady pace. The report, released on March 31, reveals a significant portion of the state grappling with moisture deficits. Topsoil moisture supplies were rated 19 percent very short and 35 percent short, with only 44 percent considered adequate. Subsoil moisture mirrored this trend, with 22 percent very short and 32 percent short. This dry start to the season could potentially impact early crop development and pasture conditions.
Winter wheat, a crucial early-season crop, is showing a range of conditions, with 3 percent rated very poor and 23 percent poor, while 38 percent is considered good. The majority of the wheat crop falls into the fair category, with 36 percent.
Despite the dry conditions, the livestock sector is showing resilience. Cattle and calf conditions are predominantly good, with 63 percent rated as such and 8 percent excellent. Calving progress is 33 percent complete, closely aligned with both last year’s figures and the five-year average. Cattle and calf death loss is reported as average for the majority of the state.
Sheep and lamb conditions are also generally favorable, with 66 percent rated good and 5 percent excellent. Lambing progress is 53 percent complete, slightly behind last year’s pace but near the five-year average. Shearing progress lags behind historical averages, with 58 percent complete compared to the usual 73 percent.
Hay and roughage supplies are largely adequate, with 75 percent rated as such, though 8 percent are reported as very short. Stock water supplies are also a concern, with 14 percent very short and 25 percent short.
These early spring reports provide a crucial snapshot of the challenges and successes our agricultural producers are facing. While dry soil conditions are a concern, the livestock sector is showing stability. Forthcoming reports from the USDA will monitor and alert producers to conditions as the growing season progresses.
Visit www.watfordcitynd.com and subscribe to the McKenzie County Farmer today!