South Dakota sees strong start to crop planting season

By Scout Nelson

For the week ending April 28, 2024, South Dakota farmers experienced 3.7 days suitable for fieldwork, as reported by the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. This favorable weather allowed for significant advancements in crop planting.

Soil moisture levels were largely beneficial, with topsoil moisture rated at 75% adequate and 11% surplus, while subsoil moisture stood at 78% adequate and 4% surplus.

Corn planting reached 13%, a substantial increase from just 1% at this time last year and well above the five-year average of 6%. Soybeans also saw progress, planted at 4%, aligning closely with the 2% average. The condition of winter wheat was notably robust, with 61% rated as good and 6% as excellent. Conversely, only a small fraction was in poor condition.

Spring wheat planting was ahead of schedule at 62%, compared to only 13% last year and a 36% average. The emergence rate for spring wheat was close to the average at 10%. Oats were another standout, with 60% planted, drastically up from 24% last year and surpassing the 38% average. The emergence of oats was also well ahead of previous years at 24%.

Sorghum planting was another area of progress, with 12% planted, significantly ahead of the 1% average.

This week's report highlights the advantageous start to the planting season in South Dakota, with most crops showing strong early growth thanks to suitable weather conditions and good soil moisture levels.

Photo Credit -gettyimages-fotokostic