By Scout Nelson
During the week ending April 14, 2024, South Dakota farmers had 4.9 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service.
The state reported diverse moisture conditions, with topsoil moisture rated at 4% very short, 27% short, 68% adequate, and 1% surplus.
Subsoil moisture followed a similar pattern: 6% very short, 29% short, 62% adequate, and 3% surplus.
In terms of crop progress, only 1% of corn had been planted by the week's end. The condition of winter wheat was mostly favorable, rated at 2% very poor, 5% poor, 36% fair, 56% good, and 1% excellent.
Spring wheat showed impressive progress with 23% planted, significantly surpassing both last year's 1% and the five-year average of 13%. Oats planting also exceeded expectations with 30% completed, well ahead of last year's 3% and the 12% average. 7% of oats had emerged by the week's end, which is ahead of the 2% average.
This early momentum is promising for the state's agricultural output in the upcoming season.
Photo Credit -usda
Categories: South Dakota, Crops