Despite the periodic storms, crops across much of the state could use a good rain. That's what state agriculture secretary Bill Northey says in assessing last week's crops progress. Southeast Iowa remains the driest area of the state where topsoil moisture levels are rated 82 percent short or very short. Rain totals were well below normal over much of the southern two-thirds of Iowa for the week. Even with the dry conditions, crops are making good progress statewide with 78 percent of corn and 72 percent of soybeans rated good or excellent. Oat conditions rated 74 percent good to excellent.