By Scout Nelson
For the week ending May 18, 2025, farmers in South Dakota are making steady progress with spring planting. According to the USDA’s latest report, 4.1 days were suitable for fieldwork due to favorable weather conditions.
Topsoil moisture is rated at 50% adequate and 5% surplus, while subsoil moisture stands at 42% adequate. However, dryness is still a concern, with 10% of topsoil and 19% of subsoil rated very short.
Corn planting is 85% complete, far ahead of both last year’s 61% and the five-year average of 66%. Corn emergence is at 50%, a big jump compared to 15% last year.
Soybean planting is also moving fast at 71%, well ahead of the 34% recorded last year. About 23% of soybeans have emerged, up from just 6% last year.
Winter wheat conditions vary, with 5% rated very poor, 25% poor, and 22% good. Spring wheat is faring slightly better, with 34% rated good and 5% excellent. Spring wheat emergence stands at 85%, ahead of both the previous year and average.
Oats are nearly all planted at 97%, and 83% have emerged. The oat crop is in good condition, with 38% rated good and 8% excellent.
Sorghum planting is at 35%, up from 27% last year. Sunflower planting is still early at 7%, but that’s already ahead of the previous year’s 1%.
Pasture and range conditions are steady, with 22% rated good and 2% excellent.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: South Dakota, Crops, Soybeans, Government & Policy