By Scout Nelson
As of October 20, 2024, the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service reported that South Dakota experienced 6.6 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture supplies were rated 37% very short, 44% short, 19% adequate, and 0% surplus. Subsoil moisture showed similar trends, with 28% very short, 41% short, 31% adequate, and 0% surplus.
Field Crops Report:
Corn condition was reported as 2% very poor, 7% poor, 25% fair, 54% good, and 12% excellent. Around 96% of corn was mature, close to last year’s 99% and the five-year average of 94%. Corn harvested was ahead of schedule at 56%, compared to 45% last year and the 47% average.
The soybean harvest reached 91%, surpassing last year’s 85% and the five-year average of 77%.
Winter wheat conditions were rated 1% very poor, 15% poor, 26% fair, 49% good, and 9% excellent. Winter wheat planting stood at 92%, nearly the same as last year’s 93% and the 95% average. Emergence, however, lagged at 60%, compared to last year’s 66% and the 67% average.
The Sorghum harvest was at 70%, ahead of 61% last year and the 60% average.
Sunflower conditions were 5% very poor, 4% poor, 26% fair, 60% good, and 5% excellent. About 96% of sunflowers had turned brown, ahead of last year’s 86%. Harvest stood at 27%, slightly ahead of last year’s 19% and close to the 24% average.
Pasture and Range Report:
Pasture and range conditions in South Dakota were reported as 21% very poor, 30% poor, 25% fair, 24% good, and 0% excellent.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-eugenesergeev
Categories: South Dakota, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sorghum, Weather