| Rain throughout Minnesota has helped in some areas to loosen
soil for fall tillage, but more rainfall is still needed, according to the
Minnesota Agricultural Statistics Service in its weekly crop report.
The rain slowed the corn harvest, but a few days of dry weather will
allow producers to complete the job, the service said.
Ninety-three percent of the corn has been harvested, compared with 87
percent a year ago and 78 percent for the five-year average at this time.
The sunflower harvest is 82 percent complete, vs. 66 percent a year ago
and 76 percent for the five-year average.
Topsoil moisture conditions across the state as of Oct. 27 were 22
percent very short, 37 percent short, 38 percent adequate, and 3 percent
surplus. Subsoil conditions are somewhat drier. Additional moisture is
needed to recharge the subsoil for next year's crops.
The soybean and sugar-beet harvests are wrapped up in North Dakota, and
the corn and sunflower harvests are ahead of normal. |