Across the Corn Belt, dry weather favors corn and soybean development, except in areas where soil moisture is lacking. On June 20, topsoil moisture was rated more than one-half very short to short in five upper Midwestern States: South Dakota (88%), North Dakota (72%), Minnesota (72%), Iowa (64%), and Wisconsin (53%). During the 2-week period ending June 20, U.S. corn rated good to excellent fell from 72 to 65%, while soybeans rated good to excellent fell from 67 to 60%.

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