Minnesota farmers nearing end of corn, sunflower harvests

Minnesota farmers are nearing the end of the corn and sunflower harvests, but last week's snowstorm halted the harvest for some farmers.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, despite the storm and frigid temperatures, farmers were able to use 2.7 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending Sunday to make progress on the corn and sunflower harvests. But some standing corn may have to wait until spring to be harvested.

Ninety-five percent of Minnesota's corn acreage is harvested, 11 days ahead of normal. The sunflower crop is 95 percent harvested, nine days ahead of normal.

Livestock across much of Minnesota has been moved to winter dry lots. The sudden change in temperature caused respiratory sickness in some cattle.