MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Recent heavy rain and damaging hail has been tough on crops in southern Minnesota while the west central region has been abnormally dry.

But despite the varied conditions, agriculture experts say more fields are thriving in Minnesota than struggling. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says about 75 percent of the state's corn, soybean and sugar beet crops are in good to excellent condition. Spring wheat is slightly lower with 64 percent of the crop in good condition.

Richard Peterson farms near Mountain Lake in southwest Minnesota. He says his corn field is looking good, but other crops are suffering. Ducks swim on a 20-acre pond where his soybeans should be planted.

Agricultural economists expect average or above-average yields this year.

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