Rain, above-normal temps spur ND crop development

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Rain and above normal temperatures are helping crop development and improving conditions, but some areas of North Dakota are still in need of moisture.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture says in its weekly crop, livestock and weather report that barley is 73 percent jointed and 28 percent in boot stage, which are ahead of the five-year averages.

Durum wheat advanced to 62 percent jointed, ahead of 0 percent last year and 9 percent on average. Spring wheat at 74 percent jointed and 36 percent boot stage is also ahead of pace.

The USDA says precipitation above normal across parts of the west, north central and northeast, and below normal across much of the rest of the state. Isolated hail storms damaged some crops.