By Scout Nelson
For the week ending April 13, 2025, South Dakota recorded 5.5 days suitable for fieldwork, as reported by the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Despite the good weather, soil moisture remains a challenge across much of the state.
Topsoil moisture was rated 28% very short, 44% short, 28% adequate, and no surplus. Subsoil moisture conditions were similar, with 35% very short, 45% short, 20% adequate, and 0% surplus. These dry conditions are being closely watched as planting progresses.
In the field crops report, winter wheat condition showed mixed results: 10% very poor, 30% poor, 38% fair, and 22% good. None of the crops was rated excellent. Meanwhile, 3% of winter wheat had headed.
Spring wheat planting is off to a strong start at 27%, which is ahead of both last year’s 20% and the five-year average of 16%. This marks a positive development for the state’s grain-growing regions.
Oats planting is also ahead of schedule, with 35% planted compared to 28% last year and a five-year average of 17%. However, crop emergence is slightly delayed, with only 2% emerging. This is below last year’s 7% but close to the five-year average of 3%.
As South Dakota continues into the growing season, attention will remain on improving moisture conditions to support further planting and growth. Early planting success is promising, but continued dry soil may impact future crop development.
The report reflects a typical early spring for the region, with progress dependent on timely rainfall and favorable temperatures in the weeks ahead.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-fotokostic
Categories: South Dakota, Crops, Wheat, Weather