Minnesota's Topsoil Moisture Improves

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota's topsoil moisture has improved, thanks to recent rain.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture says an average of 0.95 inch of rain fell statewide in the week ending Sunday.

Central Minnesota received the most rainfall, at 1.55 inches.

Minnesota's topsoil moisture improved to 36 percent adequate. However, subsoil moisture declined to 34 percent adequate.

Minnesota farmers have nearly finished the small grain harvest. The spring wheat harvest is slightly ahead of normal, at 97 percent complete.

But corn and soybean development continues to lag behind last year's pace. Corn is 5 percent mature, compared with last year's 75 percent. Fifty-eight percent of the soybean crop is turning yellow, 36 percentage points behind last year.

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