US: Heavy rains taking toll on Minnesota farm fields

Excessive rainfall in southern Minnesota has led to ponding and flooding, resulting in delayed fieldwork for farmers such as planting and herbicide application. Despite these challenges, the majority of the corn and soybean crops are in good to excellent condition, with corn emergence at 97 percent and soybeans 97 percent planted and 89 percent emerged. Sugarbeet conditions have also improved, with 82 percent rated as good to excellent. The first cutting of alfalfa is nearing completion at 79 percent, while the second cutting is progressing at six percent.