By Scout Nelson
For the week ending October 6, 2024, there were 6.6 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Topsoil moisture supplies were rated 29% very short, 42% short, 29% adequate, and 0% surplus, while subsoil moisture supplies were rated 25% very short, 36% short, and 39% adequate.
Field Crops Report:
Corn condition was rated 3% very poor, 7% poor, 22% fair, 56% good, and 12% excellent. Corn maturity reached 78%, behind last year's 89% but equal to the five-year average. Corn harvested was 15%, behind 23% last year and near the 19% average.
Soybean condition rated 2% very poor, 6% poor, 25% fair, 58% good, and 9% excellent. Soybeans dropping leaves stood at 94%, matching last year and close to the 92% average. Soybean harvest was 51%, ahead of 40% last year and 42% average.
Winter wheat planting progress was slower than usual, with 70% planted, compared to 79% last year and the 78% average. Winter wheat emergence was 31%, behind 39% both last year and the average.
Sorghum condition was rated 3% very poor, 15% poor, 24% fair, 58% good, and 0% excellent. Sorghum maturity reached 91%, equal to last year and ahead of the 80% average. Sorghum harvested was 33%, close to 29% last year and the 30% average.
Sunflower conditions were mixed, with 7% very poor, 6% poor, 32% fair, 55% good, and 0% excellent. The sunflower harvest was just beginning, with 3% harvested, similar to 2% last year and behind the 6% average.
Pasture and Range Report:
Pasture and range conditions were challenging, with 26% very poor, 32% poor, 21% fair, 20% good, and only 1% excellent.
Photo Credit:usda
Categories: South Dakota, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, Sorghum