Across the Corn Belt, thunderstorms continue to provide relief from dry conditions west of the Mississippi River, although the rain is too late for many summer crops. Elsewhere, mild, dry weather favors corn and soybean maturation. On August 29, more than one-half (59%) of the U.S. corn had dented, while 9% of the crop was fully mature. On the same date, 9% of the U.S. soybeans were dropping leaves. Among Midwestern States, North Dakota led with 24% dropping leaves.

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