By Scout Nelson
South Dakota's fields were above average as the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service reported 5.3 days suitable for fieldwork in the week ending October 1, 2023. The soil remained in mostly decent condition, with a majority of topsoil and subsoil moisture supplies falling under 'adequate'.
The corn crops painted a promising picture. About 80% of the corn reached maturity, surpassing both last year's and the five-year average rates. Harvesting was on track too, with 16% already reaped. On the soybean front, leaf drop reached 90%. Though the harvesting rate of 20% slightly lagged behind the past figures, it still showed potential.
Winter wheat planting met general expectations, aligning close to last year's and the five-year average figures. The emergence rate kept pace at 26%. Sorghum was another star performer. Coloring was on par at 99% while maturity at 78% outshone the average by a fair margin.
Sunflowers were not left behind. Most of their ray flowers were dry, and a good portion of the bracts had turned yellow. Their harvesting was a tad behind at 1%.
Lastly, pasture and range conditions appeared hearty, with a combined 54% of the land being rated as good to excellent. This data underlines the promising agricultural scene in South Dakota for the said period.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-dszc
Categories: South Dakota, Crops