Minn. Corn, Soybean Crops To Be Smaller Than 2010

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Minnesota corn and soybean production is projected to be smaller than last year's bumper crop due to less favorable weather.

Forecasts from the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Thursday put Minnesota corn production at 1.27 billion bushels, down 2 percent from 2010. The yield forecast of 166 bushels per acre is down 11 bushels from 2010's record high of 177.

Soybean production is forecast at 284 million bushels, down 14 percent from last year. Yield is projected at 40 bushels, five below 2010.

The spring wheat crop is estimated at 79.6 million bushels, down 3 percent. Yield is estimated at 51 bushels, down four from 2010.

The sugarbeet crop is estimated at 10.4 million tons, down 12 percent. Yield is estimated at 22 tons per acre, down 4.6 tons from last year's record high of 26.6 tons.

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