Development Of Minn. Crops Advances Significantly

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- The development of Minnesota's major crops has advanced significantly thanks to last week's high heat and humidity.

In its weekly crop weather report for Minnesota, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said Monday that 54 percent of the corn crop is at or beyond the silking stage. That's an advance of 43 points from a week earlier, although it's still 10 points below the five-year average.

Fifty-six percent of the corn crop is rated in good condition and 16 percent is rated excellent, while 54 percent of the soybean crop is rated good and 15 percent is rated excellent.

Thirty percent of the spring wheat crop is turning ripe, a 20 point increase.

The green pea harvest is nearly complete in some areas while the sweet corn harvest is just beginning.

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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)