WESTBROOK, Minnesota (STPNS) --     SPECIAL  — This year weather conditions have been ideal for a great harvest.  A couple of long time area farmers commented they don’t ever remember finishing harvesting before October first, although they still have tillage to deal with. But no matter how you look at it, it has been one heck of harvest.

    With the drought this year,  many farmers in the area have been pleasantly surprised with the size and quality of the harvest. Also there has been very little drying needed making things even better.  Another thing is the prices for their products are at an all time high.



    According to  the Minnesota USDA office, as of Sept. 30 in the state, corn was 53 percent harvested compared to only 5 percent last year. Average moisture was 16 percent. Soybeans were 76 percent  harvested compared to only 26 percent last year. Average moisture content was 10 percent.

    While dry weather has prevailed all of last month allowing for great harvest conditions, much of northwest, southwest,  and west central parts of the state remain very short of moisture. Topsoil moisture was rated at 44 percent very short, 41 percent short, and 15 percent adequate compared to 33 percent very short, 45 percent short,  and 22 percent  adequate.

    Without a doubt, most farmers and home owners would welcome a generous rain before the ground freezes.