ST. PAUL  (AP) — Minnesota farmers took advantage of a small break in the cold, wet weather and have now planted more than a quarter of the state's corn crop.

In its weekly crop weather report for Minnesota, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said Monday corn was 28 percent planted by Sunday, a big jump from 1 percent a week earlier. That compares with 93 percent last year and a 65 percent average.

Spring wheat advanced to 18 percent planted, compared with 98 percent last year and a 60 percent average.

Delayed planting has been a concern across the Midwest, though modern equipment lets farmers plant quickly when weather cooperates.

Statewide, 3.6 days were rated suitable for fieldwork last week. Producers planted where they could but were hindered by frequent rain and saturated soils.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.

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