Crop report: Pretty good for a drought

Minnesota's crop report today is mostly good news. It's also a bit surprising in a drought year for much of the state.

Seventy-five percent of Minnesota's corn crop is in good or excellent condition. Sixty-nine percent of soybeans are also rated good to excellent. Some crop development is behind the 5-year average, but overall things are looking pretty good in a drought year.

There are two main reasons the crop report is looking better than what many might expect in a drought. First, rains last fall recharged deep soil moisture in many areas. Secondly, not all of Minnesota is in drought. There has been ample rain in southern Minnesota and even too much rain at times in parts of the northwest. Both areas are big crop producing regions in Minnesota.

The areas of moderate to severe drought in central and southern Minnesota could really use some good rain this week. Let's hope the next weather system scheduled for Thursday can deliver.

PH