USDA: Minnesota Farmers Still Assessing Storm Damage

ST. PAUL (AP) - The U.S. Department of Agriculture says farmers are still assessing the damage after strong thunderstorms moved across northern and central parts of Minnesota last week.

The agency said in its weekly crop progress and condition report for Minnesota on today (Monday) that only 3.3 days were suitable for fieldwork amid reports of damaging winds, hail and excessive rain that led to flooding in some areas.

But 82% of Minnesota's corn is in good to excellent condition and development is about five days ahead of the normal pace. Soybeans are about eight days ahead of the five-year average, and conditions are rated 78% good to excellent.

Topsoil moisture supplies are rated 73% adequate and 26% surplus, while subsoil moisture is 77% adequate and 17% surplus.