Minnesota Crops Develop Ahead of Schedule as Fall Approaches

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) _ Even as the weather starts to cool, Minnesota's major crops are developing ahead of schedule.

In its weekly crop progress and condition report for the state, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said Tuesday that 17 percent of the corn crop is mature. That's six days ahead of the average pace. The corn crop is rated 76 percent in good to excellent condition.

Sixty percent of Minnesota's soybean crop has at least started turning color, and 24 percent of the crop is already dropping leaves, about three days ahead of the five-year average. The condition of the soybean crop improved slightly over the past week to 71 percent good to excellent.

Sugarbeet farmers are preparing to begin harvesting, and 75 percent of the crop is rated in good to excellent condition.