ST. PAUL  — Wet weather continues to keep Minnesota farmers out of their fields, but the rain is helping improve soil moisture.

In the latest crop report for Minnesota, the U.S. Department of Agriculture says only 1.7 days were rated suitable for fieldwork statewide last week. That compares with an average of 3.2 days.

But topsoil and subsoil moisture levels continue to improve, thanks to recent rain. Topsoil moisture supplies are rated 66 percent adequate while subsoil moistures are 67 percent adequate.

Crop planting is ahead of last year but behind the five-year average. Four percent of Minnesota’s corn crop has been planted, way behind the average of 30 percent. Spring wheat planning is 2 percent complete, compared with an average 39 percent.

Pasture conditions are rated 11 percent poor or very poor.