crops

It's been an interesting growing season for farmers this year. The wet, and then dry, weather over the summer took its tole on farmer's crops.

The St. Cloud Technical and Community College has been offering those in the farm industry a chance to grow their business, with their Farm Business Management Program.

Final estimates confirm Minnesota farmers produced less corn and soybeans in 2011 than 2010.

The latest production and yield estimates for Minnesota's major crops are showing declines from last year's record harvests.

The overnight freeze is yet another blow to farmers who are trying to salvage their crops this year. We told you recently about the wet conditions hampering crop growth in some areas. Now, the early freeze may actually kill off some of those immature plants.

Our unusual weather is taking it's toll on area crops in more ways than you might think. Dan Martens, the University University of Minnesota Extension Educator in Stearns, Benton and Morrison Counties says water erosion is wreaking havoc on side hills and even flat cropland.

This could be a critical week for Minnesota farmers, who are running late with spring planting due to soggy fields but have a chance to catch up thanks to good weather forecast for the next few days.