State's crops in need of rain

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Rain is needed across most of the state to prevent further damage to crops, the Missouri Agricultural Statistics Service said Monday.

An average of 0.15 of an inch of rain fell across the state last week. The need for rain is the most urgent in the northwest and west-central part of the state, where topsoil moisture ratings are 96 percent short or very short. Statewide, the moisture ratings declined, ranging from 30 percent very short, 43 percent short and 27 percent adequate.

Farmers were able to work in the fields an average of 6.7 days in the past week.