By Scout Nelson
For the week ending October 15, 2023, brought forward significant insights, as South Dakota had about 4.3 days apt for fieldwork. A glance at the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service reveals the state's topsoil moisture to be largely adequate at 73%, with only a small portion being very short at 3%.
The subsoil moisture rating is 62% adequate, with a slightly larger 7% being very short.
The corn condition seems varied. While a small 5% was rated very poor, a hopeful 11% was rated excellent. Corn maturity stands at 97%, which is nearly similar to last year's 96%, and notably ahead of the five-year average of 88%. Corn harvesting is slightly lagging at 37%, compared to 42% from last year.
Soybeans show a harvesting rate of 72%, slightly behind the 78% seen last year but ahead of the average which stands at 59%.
Winter wheat appears in good condition with 49% rated as good and 8% excellent. Planting is almost complete at 90%, closely matching last year's 89%. 57% of the winter wheat has emerged, a number that's ahead of last year's 52%.
Sorghum's condition seems positive with 51% rated good and 11% excellent. However, only 50% has been harvested, falling behind last year's 58%.
Sunflowers show a favorable condition with a dominant 47% being rated good. The bracts turning brown stand at 81%, but harvesting is a bit behind at just 10% - lower than last year's 16%.
On the pasture and range front, conditions seem optimistic with 47% being rated good and a promising 15% as excellent.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-romaset
Categories: South Dakota, Harvesting