Spring Planting Delayed by Cool, Wet Conditions

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — Cool, wet conditions over the past week have hampered North Dakota farmers trying to get their crops in the ground.

The federal Agriculture Department says in its weekly crop and weather report that only about two days were suitable for field work. The department now pegs the average start of field work in North Dakota at May 1, two days later than last week's estimate.

The 10-year average start date in North Dakota is April 20. The average over the past five years is April 25.

The report says only about 3 percent of the state's staple spring wheat crop is in the ground, compared with 19 percent on average.