ST. PAUL — The persistent snow is delaying the beginning of fieldwork on farms across Minnesota.

In its first weekly crop progress and condition report of the season for Minnesota, the U.S. Department of Agriculture says last week’s heavy snow is one reason why no days were rated suitable for fieldwork last week. Planting of some early crops such as oats usually begins around now.

Eight-four percent of Minnesota’s pasture land is rated in fair to good condition. Livestock producers in northwestern Minnesota report calving is progressing at a steady pace despite the difficult weather conditions.