News

Minnesota farmers continue to dodge worst of drought

Photo: Thinkstock, Photos.com

Aug 21, 2012 at 7:06 am

ST. PAUL, MN (AP) - Minnesota farmers continue to dodge the worst of the drought that's affecting most of the country.

In its weekly crop weather report for Minnesota, the U.S. Department of Agriculture notes that the state experienced scattered showers and cooler temperatures this past week. Statewide, average temperatures were 5.7 degrees below normal. Some areas remained dry, while over 1.5 inches of rain fell in a few places.

Monday's report shows that topsoil moisture supplies improved slightly over the week. They are now rated 16 percent very short, 38 percent short, 45 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus.

The condition of the state's corn crop is rated 77 percent fair to good, unchanged from last week. Soybeans were rated 81 percent in fair to good condition, compared to 80 percent last week.