Based on July 1 conditions, the Minnesota SPRING WHEAT crop is forecast at 87.5 million bushels, up 13 percent from last year, according to the Minnesota Field Office of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The yield forecast of 50 bushels per acre, is up 3 bushels per acre from last year. Acres for harvest are up 6 percent from 2007 to 1.75 million acres.

As of July 1, BARLEY production is forecast at 7.15 million bushels, up 16 percent from last year. The yield of 65 bushels per acre, is up 9 bushels per acre from last year. Acres to be harvested are estimated at 110,000 acres, unchanged from 2007.

OAT production is forecast at 11.6 million bushels, up 7 percent from 2007. The yield, at 68 bushels per acre, is up 8 bushels from 2007. Acres to be harvested are estimated at 170,000 acres, down 10,000 acres from last year.

FALL POTATO acres planted totaled 48,000 acres. Harvested acres are estimated to be 45,000 acres. The planted and harvested levels are both down 4 percent from 2007. Acreage planted by type of potato consists of 71 percent Russets, 21 percent Reds, 7 percent Whites, and 1 percent Yellows.