News

Minnesota crops among nation’s best

Crop condition ratings in Minnesota continue to run ahead of the national average.

In its latest progress report, the USDA lists 78 percent of the state’s corn acreage and 76 percent of soybeans in the good to excellent category.

That compares to U.S. figures of 67 percent for corn and 66 percent for soybeans.

Small grains in Minnesota are also doing well this growing season.

More than 80 percent of the spring wheat, oat, and barley crops are currently rated either good or excellent.

And with the first cutting of alfalfa nearly finished, the second cutting has advanced to almost 20 percent complete statewide.