Officials Tallying Impact Of Freeze On Minn. Crops

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- While a deep freeze has ended the growing season across parts of Minnesota, agricultural officials say they're still trying to determine how deeply it will hurt corn and soybean yields.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's weekly crop weather report for Minnesota on Monday noted that overnight temperatures last Thursday fell into the low 30s to mid 20s, setting record lows in several communities.

Corn and soybean condition ratings declined during the past week. Statewide, 46 percent of corn is rated in good condition with 10 percent rated excellent. Forty-three percent of soybeans are in good condition, with 8 percent rated excellent.

The harvests of canola and sweet corn are nearly complete while the dry bean harvest advanced following another relatively dry week. Statewide, 6.5 days were rated suitable for fieldwork.

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