Corn crop thrives despite heatwave

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Minnesota crops continued to progress ahead of the average, even with record-setting temperatures last week.

The USDA's Minnesota weekly crop-weather report says statewide, average temperatures were 9 degrees above normal.

Precipitation amounts varied. As of Sunday, topsoil moisture supplies were rated 60 percent adequate to surplus, down from 78 percent a week earlier.

Forty-one percent of corn was silking and beyond, compared with 0 percent last year and 8 percent for the five-year average. Corn was rated 77 percent good to excellent.

Soybeans were rated 72 percent good to excellent, and small grains advanced rapidly. Spring wheat was 62 percent turning ripe, compared with 1 percent last year. Barley was 70 percent turning ripe compared with 0 percent last year, and oats were 69 percent turning ripe, compared with 4 percent last year.