MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Last week's soaking rains have added some much-needed moisture to parched soil around much of Wisconsin.

The National Agricultural Statistics Service said Monday that soil moisture levels were reported to be short to very low in 55 percent of Wisconsin this week, compared with 79 percent last week.

The report says rain slowed the harvest and tillage for much of Wisconsin, but it benefited fall-planted crops, hay and trees.

While the eastern and central regions reported that the ground is too wet for groundwork, the rain missed the northwest region, which is 93 percent short or very short of moisture.

The Wisconsin State Journal reports corn is 66 percent harvested and soybeans are 94 percent harvested statewide.