FARGO - Small grains development in North Dakota is ahead of average after a week of warm weather, the Agriculture Department says.

However, rain continues to interrupt field work, and the wet and humid weather is creating ideal conditions for potential disease growth, the department said Monday in its weekly crop report.

Spraying for broadleaf weeds was 85 percent complete and for wild oats 91 percent done, both ahead of average.

Spring wheat, durum and barley crop conditions rated at least 82 percent good to excellent, better than average.

Topsoil moisture continued to benefit from the rainy weather. Supplies statewide were rated 92 percent adequate or surplus, compared to the average of 84 percent, the report said.

The first cutting of alfalfa was 23 percent complete, 10 percentage points behind the average. Other hay was near average, at 11 percent cut. The hay crop condition was rated 70 percent good to excellent, compared to 36 percent a year ago.

Pasture conditions continued to improve in most areas of the state because of the rain and warm temperatures. Range and pasture conditions were rated 76 percent good to excellent.