May 21, 2025Planting continues on pace in Minnesota, North Dakota; area reports ending
Potato planting in North Dakota and Minnesota continues, with Minnesota ahead of both last year’s pace and the average.
For the week ending May 18, Minnesota had planted 82% of its crop (.pdf), ahead of 77% in 2024 and of the 66% average. Potatoes planted in North Dakota (.pdf) stood at 50%, behind 60% in 2024 but ahead of the 43% average.
Minnesota farmers saw 4.9 days suitable for fieldwork during the week, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, while North Dakota growers saw 3.6.
Beginning on May 30, NASS will no longer produce data tailored to individual states or regions. State-level data will be available in national releases and through the agency’s online database, Quick Stats. NASS reports are available to the public at nass.usda.gov.
Clearing forecast
North Dakota saw copious amounts of rain during the past week, with 5 to 7 inches recorded west of Bismarck. The Red River Valley received three-quarters of an inch to 1.5 inches during the last week, according to the latest Northland Potatoes Potato Bytes newsletter.
Warmer, drier weather was forecast beginning May 22.
