Corn, soybeans, other crops off to an early start

Ideal weather conditions across Minnesota last week allowed farmers to continue planting corn, soybeans and other crops well ahead of average.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported Monday that Minnesota's corn planting jumped to 83 percent complete, the second highest amount planted by this date in 30 years. Nearly one-third of the soybean acreage has been planted, the most by this date in three decades.

And all small grains were over 90 percent planted.

Unlike last year, when planting was delayed longer than usual by a late winter and heavy spring rains, the 2015 growing season is beginning three to four weeks earlier in much of the state.

By this date in 2014 only 7 percent of the corn and 0 percent of the soybeans had been planted.

USDA surveys growers across the nation each week to estimate crop progress and conditions.

Minnesota farmers were reportedly concerned about dry soil conditions in some areas, and the need for more rain to help crop germination and plant growth.