High temps, low moisture taking toll on Mo. crops

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- A new report says the recent spate of hot, dry weather has hurt some Missouri crops and slowed their progress.

The Missouri Agricultural Statistics Service said Tuesday that 94 percent of the state's corn crop was at dough stage, 20 days behind last year but right at the five-year average.

The weekly report says just 1 percent of the corn crop has been harvested, compared with 42 percent at the same time last year and a five-year average of 13 percent.

Soybean blooming was 96 percent complete, 13 days behind last year and two days behind normal.

Pasture conditions were generally decent, with 80 percent rated either fair, good or excellent, while 93 percent of the hay supply was rated as either adequate or surplus.