North Dakota Planting Ahead of Pace

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — Two-thirds of North Dakota's staple spring wheat crop is in the ground, as farmers continue taking advantage of dry weather to make progress on spring planting.

The Agriculture Department says in its weekly crop progress report that the seeding of all crops is well ahead of the average pace over the past five years. Half of the corn crop is planted, along with about one-third of the potatoes. Sugar beet planting is wrapping up.

Rain over the last week was light and scattered. Topsoil moisture supplies statewide are rated 39 percent short or very short, compared to 33 percent last week.

Stock water supplies statewide are still fine, however — rated 90 percent adequate or surplus.