LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture says sunshine and higher-than-normal temperatures across much of the state last week helped crops mature.

However, the USDA said in a report released Monday that only 3 percent of the state’s corn had been harvested, compared with 9 percent on average by the date. The soybean harvest also lagged, with just 1 percent harvested compared with 5 percent on average by the date.

The USDA says 56 percent of the winter wheat had been planted by Sunday, compared with the average of 50 percent over the past five years.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.