ND corn harvest slowed by grain moisture levels

updated 11:20 a.m. ET Nov. 24, 2009

BISMARCK, N.D. - North Dakota's corn harvest remains well behind schedule, but recent dry weather has helped farmers make progress.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture says the high moisture level of grain across the state combined with the limited capacity of grain dryers has slowed the harvest.

The USDA estimates that only about 21 percent of the state's corn crop has been harvested. On average, about 83 percent of the corn has been harvested by now.

About 86 percent of sunflower crop has been harvested instead of the average of 94 percent harvested.

The soybean crop is also behind schedule. About 92 percent of the soybeans have been harvested in North Dakota. On average, the soybean harvest is usually about 99 percent complete.

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