By Scout Nelson
For the week ending May 25, 2025, South Dakota farmers continue to make solid planting progress, even with only 2.1 days suitable for fieldwork due to wet conditions.
According to the USDA, topsoil moisture levels are steady, with 60% rated adequate and 9% surplus. Subsoil moisture is slightly drier, with 52% adequate and 2% surplus, but still supports healthy crop growth.
Corn planting is nearly complete at 92%, far ahead of both last year and the five-year average. About 70% of the corn has emerged, showing much faster growth than usual. Corn condition is rated 49% good and 6% excellent.
Soybeans are also progressing well. About 79% of the crop is planted, and 45% has emerged, well ahead of normal for this time of year.
Spring wheat is showing strong development too, with 92% emerging. Its condition stands at 52% good and 3% excellent. Winter wheat is less promising, with 46% rated fair and 26% poor to very poor. Only 3% is headed, which is behind the average.
Oats are emerging at a fast pace, with 90% off the ground. Their condition is mostly fair to good, with a small number already headed. Sorghum planting reaches 37%, while sunflower planting is at 12%, showing a slight improvement over last year.
Pasture and range conditions show signs of recovery, with 24% rated good and only 3% very poor.
Despite weather challenges, South Dakota’s farmers remain ahead in planting and continue to monitor conditions to keep crops on track for the season.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: South Dakota, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Weather