Minnesota Crop Estimates Show Declines from 2010

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - The latest production and yield estimates for Minnesota's major crops are showing declines from last year's record harvests.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Wednesday projected Minnesota corn production at 1.22 billion bushels, down 5 percent from last year. Corn yield is forecast at 160 bushels per acre, down 17 bushels from last year.

Soybean production is forecast at 280 million bushels, down 15 percent from 2010, partly because farmers shifted acres from soybeans to corn. Soybean yields are projected at 40 bushels per acre, down five from last year.

Last year's growing weather was just about perfect. But this growing season got off to a cold, wet start that delayed planting. The weather turned dry in late summer, followed by an early frost in some areas.

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