ST. PAUL (AP) -- Farmers enjoyed nearly ideal warm dry weather early last week, although several storm systems passed through parts of the state at the end of the week and slowed fieldwork, according to the Minnesota Agricultural Statistics Service.
The wet conditions hindered crop spraying and other field activities. Flooding and wind damage were reported in the west central and central districts. Farmers in those areas were also reporting hail damage and acres of crops being drowned out.
The statewide average temperature was 72 degrees, which was 3.2 degrees above normal.
Statewide topsoil moisture conditions as of July 4 were rated 5 percent short, 74 percent adequate, and 21 percent surplus.
Corn height was 41 inches, compared with 40 inches for last year and for the five-year average. Soybeans were 12 inches tall, compared with 12 inches for last year and for the five-year average.
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Corn condition rating of good to excellent was 85 percent, compared with 81 percent last week. Soybean condition is rated 78 percent good to excellent versus 78 percent last week.
Spring wheat was 90 percent heading compared with 58 percent last year and the five-year average of 72 percent. An estimated 90 percent of barley was heading versus 68 percent for the five-year average. An estimated 91 percent of oat acreage is heading, compared with 82 percent for the five-year average.
There were 4.4 days suitable for fieldwork.
