The growth of corn, soybeans and other crops remains behind average in North Dakota but warmer weather has helped, this week's crop report says.
The condition of the state's small-grain crop is slightly below average, the state Agricultural Statistical service said Monday. North Dakota's spring wheat crop was rated 67 percent good to excellent, about the same as last year. Durum, a wheat variety used in pasta, was rated 58 percent good compared with an average of 67 percent.
The state's corn crop was rated 63 percent good, down from the average of 72 percent.
Only about a third of the state's hay crop was in good condition early this week, compared with 65 percent last year, the report said. Pasture and range conditions have declined in most parts of the state, it said.
