By Scout Nelson
For the week ending May 12, 2024, South Dakota's agricultural sector experienced 3.6 days suitable for fieldwork, as outlined by the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. This limited window allowed farmers to progress with planting and other necessary tasks, albeit with some constraints.
Topsoil moisture levels indicated a relatively stable situation, with 82% rated as adequate and 12% categorized as surplus. There were pockets of concern, with 6% rated as short on moisture.
Subsoil moisture showed a similar pattern, with 83% deemed adequate, but 9% classified as short. The surplus subsoil moisture was at 8%.
Moving on to field crops, the progress varied across different crops. Corn planting, a crucial staple for South Dakota farmers, stood at 32%. This figure lagged behind both last year's progress at 42% and the five-year average of 40%.
The emergence of corn was at 3%, aligning closely with last year's figure but slightly behind the five-year average.
Soybean planting progress was at 17%, trailing behind both last year's progress of 24% and the average of 22%. Soybean emergence matched last year's and the average at 1%.
Winter wheat condition ranged from 1% very poor to 15% excellent, with the majority falling within the fair to good categories. Spring wheat planting progress was notably ahead of both last year's and the average, standing at 88%. Emergence of spring wheat was also well ahead of previous years, at 57%.
Oats planting progress showed a similar trend, with 84% planted, ahead of both last year's and the average figures. Oats emergence was significantly ahead of last year's and the average, at 52%.
Sorghum planting stood at 22%, well ahead of both last year's and the average figures, indicating proactive efforts by farmers.
Pasture and range conditions were generally favorable, with 75% rated as good and 7% as excellent. Only 18% fell under the fair category, with no areas rated as poor or very poor.
While South Dakota faced some challenges with moisture levels and planting progress, the agricultural sector displayed resilience and adaptability.
Photo Credit -istock-ligora
Categories: South Dakota, Crops