Persistent dryness is taking a toll on Minnesota farmers.

The latest weekly USDA crop report says topsoil moisture ratings are 78 percent short to very short, and subsoil moisture supplies are nearly 80 percent short to very short.

Crops are suffering from the drought with just 42 percent of corn and 43 percent of soybeans in good to excellent conditions.

Crop development is pacing about a week ahead of the five-year average with 62 percent of corn silking and 26 percent of soybeans setting pods.

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