Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Mark Steil
WORTHINGTON, Minn.

Dry weather helps along harvest work

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Progress on the Minnesota harvest continues well ahead of normal, aided by dry weather.

Crop yields have been better than expected in south central Minnesota, said consultant Bruce Nowlin.

Farmers have already picked 12 percent of their corn and 16 percent of their soybeans. Normal progress for both crops at this time of the year is just 1 percent. The sugar beet harvest is also well underway at 12 percent complete, compared to an average of 6 percent.

"People started really in earnest on corn late last week. Some guys are a third done by now," Nowlin said. "But corn yields have been 15 to 20 bushels better than expected — averaging 180 to 190. So, that's really good for a year when we've had this much dry weather."

The effect of the ongoing drought shows up in soil moisture conditions across Minnesota. Three-quarters of the state's top soil is rated short to very short of moisture. Some of the driest areas are in southern Minnesota, where extreme drought conditions exist in some locations. Rainfall in North Mankato is nearly eight inches below normal since April 1.