By Scout Nelson
According to the latest report from the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service, South Dakota farmers had 6.6 days suitable for fieldwork last week. Soil moisture levels varied, with topsoil at 15% very short and subsoil at 12% very short.
Corn showed a mixed condition, with 57% rated good and 12% excellent, though dented corn and mature stages are slightly behind the yearly average.
Harvesting is also lagging behind last year. For soybeans, 58% are in good condition, with leaf dropping and harvesting percentages below last year's figures but aligning closer to the average.
Winter wheat planting is slightly behind schedule, with emergence rates aligning closely with past years. Sorghum shows better performance, with coloring and maturity rates on par or ahead of average.
The harvesting of sorghum is notably better than last year. Sunflowers are facing delays in drying and turning stages compared to the previous year but show improvements in the bract turning brown stage.
Pasture and range conditions are struggling, with 44% rated poor or very poor, highlighting the challenges in forage conditions despite adequate topsoil moisture in some areas.
The state's agriculture is facing mixed conditions as the season progresses, with some crops showing promising signs while others face hurdles due to the varying climate and soil conditions.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-eugenesergeev
Categories: South Dakota, Business, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Government & Policy