MINNEAPOLIS — Recent heavy rain and damaging hail have been tough on crops in southern Minnesota while the west central region has been abnormally dry.

But despite the varied conditions, agriculture experts said more fields are thriving in Minnesota than struggling. The U.S. Department of Agriculture said about 75 percent of the state’s corn, soybean and sugar beet crops are in good to excellent condition. Spring wheat is slightly lower with 64 percent of the crop in good condition.

Richard Peterson farms near Mountain Lake in southwest Minnesota. He tells Minnesota Public Radio News his corn field is looking good, but other crops are suffering. Ducks swim on a 20-acre pond where his soybeans should be planted.

Agricultural economists expect average or above-average yields this year.