MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -
An exceptionally dry winter in Minnesota and other Upper Midwest states has some officials worrying about the potential effects on agriculture.
Minnesota's agriculture and commerce commissioners sent a signal when they warned their farmers this week that in light of the drought it's time to start thinking seriously about buying crop insurance because the deadline is less than a month off.
Greg Spoden of the Minnesota State Climatology Office says they're not being alarmist -- just prudent. He also says there's plenty of time for enough precipitation before spring planting.
Nearly all of Minnesota is in drought, as is northwest Iowa, while the Dakotas are at least abnormally dry.
Several farmers across the region say they're not particularly worried yet, but they have been in touch with their insurance agents.
