By Scout Nelson
October’s dry conditions have facilitated fast harvest progress across South Dakota, with farmers reporting strong productivity. Most soybean producers are nearing the completion of their harvest, and the focus is now shifting to corn. The continued dry weather is expected to help maintain efficient fieldwork.
Producers in South Dakota, who have faced delays due to wet autumns in past years, are benefiting from ideal harvest windows this year, despite the exceptionally dry conditions. Some farmers have mentioned that while the dry weather has been beneficial for fieldwork, a bit of rain would still be welcome to replenish soil moisture.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has increased its corn yield forecast for several top-producing states, including Iowa, and farmers in South Dakota are seeing strong results in their fields as well. However, while yields are favorable in most areas, the season-long dry conditions have impacted some regions more than others.
The USDA will release official crop progress reports on Tuesday, delayed by the U.S. holiday on Monday. As of mid-October, the five-year average for soybean harvest in the U.S. is around 51%, but this year’s numbers could surpass 70%. In the first week of October, soybean harvest progress jumped by 21 percentage points, marking the fastest pace in 13 years.
For corn, the average harvest completion by mid-October is typically around 39%. If South Dakota farmers maintain the current above-average pace, the state’s corn harvest could reach or exceed 60% by the end of the week, as favorable conditions continue to support rapid fieldwork.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-studio2013
Categories: South Dakota, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, Harvesting, Weather