North Dakota farmers and ranchers aided by warm, dry weather

FARGO, N.D. (AP) - Warm, dry weather in North Dakota over the past week has helped farmers in the field and ranchers who are calving and lambing.

The Agriculture Department says in its weekly crop progress report that the seeding of small grains and dry peas is about equal to the average pace. All crops are still under 10 percent seeded.

Planting of sugar beets is well ahead of the average pace, at 12 percent complete.

Calving is 56 percent done. Cattle and calf conditions statewide are rated 88 percent good to excellent. Stock water supplies are 92 percent adequate to surplus.