By Scout Nelson
For the week ending August 11, 2024, farmers experienced 6.4 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Topsoil moisture levels were rated as 4% very short, 33% short, 60% adequate, and 3% surplus, while subsoil moisture levels were similar at 3% very short, 25% short, 68% adequate, and 4% surplus.
In terms of field crops, corn was rated 1% very poor, 5% poor, 21% fair, 61% good, and 12% excellent. Corn silk reached 93%, close to last year’s 95% and matching the five-year average. Corn dough stage was at 53%, slightly ahead of the 47% average, with 2% dented, slightly below last year’s 5%.
Soybeans were rated 2% very poor, 6% poor, 20% fair, 61% good, and 11% excellent. Soybean blooming was at 91%, near last year’s 94%, and on par with the average. However, pod setting was at 59%, trailing last year’s 66% and the 67% average.
Winter wheat harvesting was nearly complete at 95%, slightly ahead of the 89% average. Spring wheat was rated mostly good, with 77% rated good and 3% excellent, and 54% of the crop harvested, aligning with the average.
Oats harvesting progressed to 86%, surpassing last year’s 76% and the 73% average. Sorghum and sunflower crops showed mixed progress, with sorghum rated mostly good but behind in heading and coloring stages. Sunflowers were also slightly behind in blooming compared to last year.
Pasture and range conditions were generally favorable, with 42% rated good and 11% excellent, supporting stable livestock grazing conditions.
Photo Credits: gettyimages-eugenesergeev
Categories: South Dakota, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Weather