By Scout Nelson
Recently, farmers in South Dakota managed 4.2 days suitable for fieldwork according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Topsoil moisture was well-distributed with 1% rated very short, 4% short, 81% adequate, and 14% surplus. Similarly, subsoil moisture was 1% very short, 8% short, 82% adequate, and 9% surplus.
The planting and emergence rates for major crops were a mix of highs and lows. Corn was 84% planted, close to last year's 87% but well above the five-year average of 74%. Only 44% of corn has emerged, trailing last year's 54% and aligning more closely with the 41% average.
Soybeans were 58% planted, lagging last year’s 74% yet near the 57% average, with 17% emerging—well below last year's 29% and slightly below the 22% average.
Winter wheat's condition was robust with 1% very poor, 2% poor, 24% fair, 55% good, and 18% excellent. It was 10% headed, aligning closely with last year's 8% and the 9% average.
Spring wheat showed similar strength in condition with 0% very poor, 2% poor, 13% fair, 79% good, and 6% excellent, and 75% had emerged, on par with the average but behind last year's 84%.
Oats were nearly fully planted at 98%, slightly ahead of last year's 96% and well above the 91% average. The turnover was 80%, close to last year's 82% but ahead of the 75% average.
Sorghum was 43% planted, slightly behind last year's 48% but well ahead of the 33% average. Sunflower planting was slow at 7%, significantly trailing last year's 21% and the 15% average.
Pasture and range conditions remained strong with only 3% rated very poor, 3% poor, 16% fair, 67% good, and 11% excellent, indicating a robust base for livestock grazing.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-eugenesergeev
Categories: South Dakota, Crops