By Scout Nelson
Farmers across South Dakota are making steady progress in planting crops this spring. As of the week ending May 4, 2025, there were 4.6 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.
Corn planting leads the way at 39%, well ahead of 17% at this time last year and above the five-year average of 23%. Corn emergence has started, with 4% of the crop out of the ground.
Soybean planting is also progressing fast, with 25% planted, compared to just 9% in previous years.
Spring wheat planting is almost complete at 94%, far ahead of the 77% reported last year and the five-year average of 63%. Nearly half of it (45%) has already emerged. Oat planting is also strong, with 87% planted and 42% emerged.
However, not all crops are ahead of schedule. Sorghum planting is at 8%, behind last year’s 15% but still close to the average of 6%.
The condition of winter wheat is mixed, with 10% rated very poor, 24% poor, and 25% rated good. None of the crops is in excellent condition.
Soil moisture continues to be a challenge. Topsoil moisture is rated 56% short to very short, while subsoil moisture is rated 72% short to very short. This could affect crop development and pasture conditions moving forward.
Pasture and range conditions show that 38% of land is rated poor to very poor, with only 1% rated excellent. These figures highlight ongoing dryness in many areas.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: South Dakota, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Weather