By Scout Nelson
For the week ending October 27, 2024, USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service reported 6.8 days suitable for fieldwork, reflecting favorable conditions for ongoing harvest activities. Soil moisture remained a concern, with topsoil rated at 36% very short, 46% short, 18% adequate, and no surplus, while subsoil was reported as 31% very short, 44% short, and 25% adequate, also with no surplus.
In field crops, the corn harvest progressed well, with 78% harvested, surpassing last year’s 57% and the five-year average of 59%. Soybean harvesting reached 96%, close to last year's 93% and ahead of the 87% average. For winter wheat, 95% was planted, near the 96% recorded last year and close to the 98% five-year average. Emergence was noted at 66%, behind both last year’s 76% and the 78% average.
Sorghum harvesting also showed progress, with 81% completed, exceeding last year’s 74% and the 67% average. Sunflower harvesting reached 42%, advancing from 31% last year and a 36% average.
Pasture and range conditions indicated challenges, with ratings at 30% very poor, 24% poor, 30% fair, 16% good, and no excellent conditions reported, highlighting the impact of continued dryness on grazing areas.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-steve-greer
Categories: South Dakota, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, Wheat