US: A slight decline in Minnesota’s crop conditions

Minnesota's crop conditions remain mixed, with some improvements and some declines compared to the five-year average. According to the USDA, soybean pod setting is behind schedule at 20%, and corn silking is also behind average at 38%, with 3% in dough stage. Despite these setbacks, over half of both crops are rated as good to excellent in condition. Spring wheat and barley are mostly headed, with good to excellent conditions reported for 82% and 80% of these crops, respectively. The first cutting of alfalfa is mostly completed, with the second cutting at nearly 60%, and conditions are rated as good to excellent for 71% of this crop. Dry beans are behind schedule in their development, with 40% in bloom and 7% setting pods. Meanwhile, sugarbeets, sunflowers, and potatoes are growing well, with good to excellent conditions reported for over 75% of these crops.