July 28, 2010

Crop development in Minnesota ahead of average

Minnesota crops continue to thrive and 89% of the corn crop is in good or excellent condition.

In its weekly crop and weather report for Minnesota, the USDA said 85% of the corn crop is at or beyond the silking stage. That is 45 percentage points ahead of last year and 18 points ahead of the five-year average.

The report said 85% of the soy crop is in good or excellent condition and crop development remains well ahead of last year.

Statewide precipitation was more than 0.5 inches above normal last week. There were five days suitable for fieldwork.

The report said 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.