FARGO, N.D. (AP) _ Dry conditions have allowed farmers to
continue a rapid pace of harvesting late season crops.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture says in its weekly crop
report that corn was 98 percent mature and 36 percent harvested,
well ahead of last year and the five-year average.
The dry edible bean harvest was 95 percent complete. About 80
percent of soybeans had been harvested by the end of the week.
The report says pasture and range conditions continued to
deteriorate because of lack of rain. Conditions were rated at 26
percent very poor, 36 percent poor, 30 percent fair, and 8 percent
good.
Producers say rain is needed in most areas to improve soil
conditions for fall tillage and winter wheat seeding.