SAUK CENTRE - High temps and low rain are damaging crops all around the United States - but here in Minnesota, we're actually faring pretty well.

This comes directly from Nick Meyer, who, along with wife Tara, grows 430 acres of corn and soybeans about 6 miles outside of Sauk Centre.

He says a few weeks without rain earlier this summer certainly took a toll on the plants, but our part of Minnesota is lucky to have dark, rich soil that retains moisture - even small amounts - well.

Overall, the further south, the drier it gets, the worse the crop conditions get, but in general I think Minnesota is lucky to have soil and crops we do, compared to other parts of the country.

Meyer says last weekend's 1.5 inches of rain made a strong impact on crop growth, and he looks forward to  the rainfall in the forecast for today and tomorrow.

And in these economic times, a strong crop season is more vital than ever.

A large portion of the Meyers' income comes from dairy cattle, and feeding them has becomes increasingly more expensive compared to the profits they turn from selling milk.

Regardless, the condition of the crops up to this point leaves Meyer optimistic that fall will bring a solid harvest.

WJON video journalist Abby Faulkner spent some time on the Meyer farm. Check out the video of highlight below.

 

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