Minn. Crops Showing Stress Due To Lack Of Moisture

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Crops are starting to show signs of stress as Minnesota's topsoil moisture continues to decline.

In its weekly crop weather report for Minnesota, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said Tuesday that topsoil moisture supplies were rated 7 percent very short and 23 percent short. Sixty-five percent were rated adequate and 5 percent surplus. That's a slight decline from the previous week.

Average temperatures were 3 degrees above normal, continuing a pattern of above-average temperatures and below-average rainfall.

Minnesota's small grain harvest is nearing completion. Ninety percent of spring wheat has been harvested.

Soybean development is lagging. Ten percent of the state's soybeans have reached the turning yellow stage. That compares with 41 percent a year ago and a five-year average of 42 percent.

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