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SOUTH DAKOTA WEATHER

South Dakota harvests hustle amid moisture variances

South Dakota harvests hustle amid moisture variances


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

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Categories: South Dakota, Harvesting

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