Planting Almost Done, Minnesota Farmers Want Warm Sunny Days

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) _ Minnesota farmers could use some warm, sunny days to
speed crop development and get the last of their planting done.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported Tuesday that cool and cloudy
conditions across Minnesota last week prevented fields from drying out and
limited farmers to 2.8 days of fieldwork.

Corn planting is almost done in Minnesota at 96 percent. Eighty-one percent of
the crop has emerged, which is five days behind last year but three days ahead
of the five-year average. Corn condition is rated 68 percent good to excellent,
down 14 points from last week.

Minnesota soybean planting is 81 percent complete, which is eight days behind
last year but three days ahead of average. Thirty-nine percent of the crop has
emerged, which is five days behind last year.