By Scout Nelson
The agricultural landscape in South Dakota is bustling, as recent figures from the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service demonstrate substantial headway in the state's harvest season. In the week concluding on October 8, 2023, farmers capitalized on approximately 5.9 viable days for fieldwork.
While soil moisture varied, with topsoil moisture described as 9% very short and 25% short, the larger portion was deemed adequate at 62%, with a small surplus of 4%. Subsoil moisture followed a similar pattern. These statistics set the stage for the state's field crops' status.
Corn has fared well this season, with a promising 49% rated as good to excellent, and 92% maturity outpacing both last year's and the five-year average figures. Interestingly, the harvest was reported at 26%, consistent with the previous year and above average.
Soybeans displayed resilience, with 45% scoring good to excellent. Progress was on par with historical data, and nearly half of the crops have been harvested, aligning with past records.
Winter wheat planting is progressing effectively at 82%, with emergence slightly ahead compared to the previous year. Sorghum conditions are mostly positive, and maturity significantly surpasses average levels. Harvesting is proceeding well, remaining close to last year's pace.
Sunflower growers have observed a majority of crops in fair to good condition. While the harvest lags slightly behind the norm, the overall health of the plants suggests a potentially robust yield.
Not to be overlooked, pasture and range conditions largely lean toward the positive, ensuring good support for livestock needs.
Photo Credit: gettyimage-jamesbrey
Categories: South Dakota, Harvesting, Livestock