By Scout Nelson
For the week ending September 15, 2024, there were 6.6 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Topsoil moisture was rated 20% very short, 33% short, 46% adequate, and 1% surplus, while subsoil moisture levels were similar, with 17% very short, 30% short, 52% adequate, and 1% surplus.
The field crops report indicated that corn conditions rated 3% very poor, 7% poor, 25% fair, 51% good, and 14% excellent. Corn dented was reported at 79%, slightly behind last year’s 84%, but close to the five-year average of 80%. Corn maturity was at 24%, behind 29% last year and the 31% average. Corn harvesting had just begun, with 1% harvested, compared to 4% last year and the 2% five-year average.
Soybean conditions showed 3% very poor, 8% poor, 28% fair, 50% good, and 11% excellent. Soybeans dropping leaves stood at 32%, significantly behind last year’s 52% and the five-year average of 47%. The soybean harvest had just started, with 1% harvested, matching last year and the average.
Winter wheat planting was at 25%, close to 29% last year and above the 21% average.
Sorghum conditions rated 3% very poor, 7% poor, 30% fair, 58% good, and 2% excellent. Sorghum coloring was at 94%, ahead of 86% for both last year and the average. However, sorghum maturity was behind, at 27%, compared to 39% last year and 31% average. Sorghum harvest began slowly, with 1% harvested, near the 2% average.
Sunflower conditions rated 7% very poor, 7% poor, 31% fair, 50% good, and 5% excellent. Progress lagged with sunflowers' ray flowers dry at 64% and bracts turning yellow at 31%, both behind last year’s pace. Sunflower braces turning brown was 9%, near last year’s 6%.
Pasture and range conditions were reported as 18% very poor, 24% poor, 28% fair, 24% good, and 6% excellent, reflecting the ongoing challenge of maintaining healthy pastures.
Photo Credit:usda
Categories: South Dakota, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sorghum, Weather