Rain, High Winds, Hail Slow Minn. Fieldwork
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Heavy rain, high winds and hail have slowed Minnesota farmers in the field.
According to the USDA's Minnesota weekly crop-weather report Monday, Duluth received 7.25 inches of rain in a 24-hour period. More than 5 inches of rain was reported in Grand Rapids, Aitkin and Cannon Falls.
As of Sunday, topsoil moisture was rated 73 percent adequate, 21 percent surplus and 6 percent short. Only 3.6 days were rated suitable for fieldwork.
Corn was averaging a height of 34 inches, well above last year's pace and the five-year average. Three percent of soybeans were blooming, also ahead of last year and the average.
Small grains such as spring wheat and barley continue developing well ahead of schedule.
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