Widespread rain showers kept Minnesota farmers out of the fields for about half of the week, but many areas desperately needed the rain.  USDA reporters say 46% of the state’s topsoil now has adequate moisture, but 28% is short and another 20% is very short.  Subsoils are still very dry with only 30% rated adequate.

Ninety-five percent of Minnesota’s corn is now in or beyond the dough stage, with 50% dented.  Only 35% of the crop is rated good to excellent.

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