Minn. crops continue to develop ahead of average

Minnesota crops continue to thrive as the small grain harvest gets underway and 89 percent of the corn crop is in good or excellent condition.

In its weekly crop and weather report for Minnesota, the U.S. Department of Agriculture says 85 percent of the corn corp is at or beyond the silking stage. That's 45 percentage points head of last year and 18 points ahead of the five-year average.

The report says 85 percent of the soybean crop is in good or excellent condition and crop develoment remains well ahead of last year.

Statewide precipitation was more than .5 inches above normal last week. There were five days suitable for fieldwork.

The report says the harvest has started for spring wheat, barley and oats. The harvest was ahead of last year for all the crops, but about on pace with the five-year averages.

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Online:

USDA NASS Minnesota Field Office: http://www.nass.usda.gov/Statistics_by_State/Minnesota/index.asp

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