USDA: crops need a good soaking - KTIV News 4 Sioux City IA: News, Weather and Sports

The U.S. Department of Agriculture says Midwest farm fields could use some rain.  The weekly crop report says while weeks of dry weather have allowed farmers to finish planting, a lack of significant rain is resulting in poor soybean stands with seeds lying in dry soil.

The USDA says that 95 percent of the Iowa corn crop has emerged, with 77 percent of it in good or excellent condition.  Iowa Farmers have planted 97 percent of the soybean crop, ahead of 83 percent average.

In Nebraska, 97 percent of the corn has emerged, with 79 percent of it rated in good or excellent condition.  93 percent of Nebraska soybeans have been planted, ahead of the average 77 percent.

South Dakota farmers are wrapping up their spring planting, and ranchers in the state are almost done moving cattle to pasture.  The Agriculture Department says in its weekly crop and weather report that the development of the state's winter wheat crop is well ahead of the average pace.