Storms affect Minn. farming as dry stretch ends

Associated Press

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Last week's storms ended Minnesota's longest stretch of dry weather this summer, and it's having an affect on Minnesota agriculture.

In its weekly crop weather report for the state, the U.S. Department of Agriculture says topsoil moisture supplies are rated 31 surplus, up from 21 percent the previous week. A statewide average of 3.8 days were suitable for fieldwork.

While the warm weather helped advance crop development and maturity, high winds on July 11 snapped corn stalks in parts of west-central Minnesota.

Major crops including corn, soybeans and small grains continue to develop behind their normal paces because of the cold, wet spring, but remain mostly in good to excellent condition. Corn condition declined slightly, with 24 percent rated fair, 54 percent rated good and 14 percent rated excellent.