News

Minnesota crop condition ratings decline slightly

Stellar crop condition ratings have taken a bit of a hit in Minnesota.

In its latest crop report, the USDA says 84 percent of the corn crop is good to excellent, down 4 points from a week ago.

Soybean acreage in either good or excellent condition also declined 4 points, to 79 percent.

Wet weather limited days suitable for fieldwork to three, as farmers side-dressed corn, applied herbicides, and baled hay as conditions allowed.

The first cutting of alfalfa is 83 percent complete, 8 days behind last year, but 3 days ahead of average.

For small grains, nearly 90 percent of the spring wheat crop is jointed or beyond, about half the oat acres are headed or beyond, and 84 percent of the barley crop is in good to excellent condition.