South Dakota crop update and fieldwork progress

By Scout Nelson

South Dakota had 6.1 days suitable for fieldwork, as reported by the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Topsoil moisture supplies were 6% very short, 12% short, 72% adequate, and 10% surplus, while subsoil moisture supplies were 5% very short, 10% short, 76% adequate, and 9% surplus.

Field Crops Report:

Corn: Condition rated 2% very poor, 4% poor, 25% fair, 53% good, and 16% excellent. Corn silk was 23%, behind 55% last year, and 38% for the five-year average. Dough was 2%, compared to 5% last year and a 3% average.

Soybeans: Condition rated 2% very poor, 6% poor, 22% fair, 55% good, and 15% excellent. Soybeans blooming was 38%, below 57% last year and 54% average. Setting pods was 3%, compared to 23% last year and 16% average.

Winter Wheat: Condition rated 0% very poor, 5% poor, 30% fair, 55% good, and 10% excellent. Harvested was 31%, behind 39% last year and 36% average.

Spring Wheat: Condition rated 1% very poor, 7% poor, 29% fair, 54% good, and 9% excellent. Harvested was 2%, behind 7% last year, and near the 5% average.

Oats: Condition rated 1% very poor, 4% poor, 28% fair, 54% good, and 13% excellent. Harvested was 10%, compared to 19% last year and 18% average.

Sorghum: Condition rated 0% very poor, 1% poor, 23% fair, 65% good, and 11% excellent. Headed was 16%, compared to 44% last year and 29% average.

Sunflowers: Condition rated 1% very poor, 3% poor, 34% fair, 51% good, and 11% excellent. Blooming was 1%, below 15% last year.

Pasture and Range Report:

Conditions rated 8% very poor, 17% poor, 23% fair, 39% good, and 13% excellent. Overall, crop and soil conditions reflect a challenging season with variability across different crops and moisture levels.

Photo Credit: usda