Minn. farmers waiting to start field work

Despite the sudden warm weather, Minnesota farmers are still waiting for the chance to get into their fields.

In its weekly crops and weather report for the state, the U.S. Department of Agriculture says Minnesota farmers have managed to begin only very limited field work, mainly on higher ground and well-drained fields. Flooding is still a concern, especially in the Red River Valley. Muddy conditions are slowing pasture growth.

The report says producers continue to expect full-scale fieldwork to begin around May 7, about two weeks later than the five-year average.

Despite the late start, expert say there's still time. Corn yields in Minnesota don't typically suffer unless planting is delayed past mid-May, though there's some concern about the impact on yields for spring wheat and other small grains.