Rain Slows Down Crop Planting

     SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - Another period of below-normal
temperatures and above-normal rainfall kept South Dakota farmers
out of the field for all but three days in the past week.
     The Agricultural Statistics Service said farmers are falling
farther behind in finishing the planting of small grains and row
crops.
     Eighty-six percent of the corn has been planted, compared to the
five-year average of 92 percent by now. The service said soybean
planting is 34 percent complete, compared to the average of 65
percent.
     Crops that have emerged are generally in fair to excellent
condition.
     Fifty-seven percent of the state reports adequate moisture and
43 percent has too much.