Warmer Weather Helps Minnesota Fields Dry Out

ST. PAUL  (AP) - Warmer weather and limited rain have helped Minnesota's farm fields to dry out a bit from a rainy May.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported Monday that topsoil moisture supplies declined slightly  as daytime highs reach 90 degrees or hotter in many locations across Minnesota. As of Sunday, according to the weekly crop weather report, topsoil moisture was rated 85 percent adequate to surplus, compared with 95 percent the previous week.

Statewide, there were 5.7 days rated suitable for fieldwork.

Crop conditions held mostly steady. Eighty-two percent of the corn crop was rated in good to excellent condition, while 74 percent of soybeans were rated good to excellent.

Sweet corn is now 69 percent planted compared with 61 percent last year and 74 percent for the five-year average.

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