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Drier, Warmer Weather Helps Minn. Crops Progress

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Minnesota farmers are making progress on planting several field crops, thanks to a week of drier, warmer weather.

In its weekly crop weather report for Minnesota on Monday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture says farmers statewide had an average of 4.3 days suitable for fieldwork.

After the drier, warmer week, topsoil moisture rated surplus has dropped to 30 percent. But wet conditions persist across the state.

Soybeans are now 75 percent planted, with 38 percent of the crop emerged. Dry beans are 62 percent planted while sweet corn is 47 percent planted.

But all three crops remain behind last year's progress and the five-year average.

Corn planting is nearly complete, with 95 percent planted.

Sugar beet plantings also are nearing completion, with 95 percent planted. Potatoes are 94 percent planted.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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