Rain, snow provides moisture to N. Dakota crops

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota's late-season crop was halted last week due to snow and rain, but the moisture was much needed.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture says in its weekly crop, livestock and weather report the sunflower harvest is 91 percent. This is behind 93 percent last year at this time but ahead of the five-year average.

Topsoil moisture supplies are rated 10 percent very short, 33 percent short, 54 percent adequate and 3 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies are rated 23 percent very short, 37 percent short, 38 percent adequate and 2 percent surplus.

Pasture and range conditions were rated 23 percent very poor, 34 percent poor, 30 percent fair and 13 percent good.