The U.S. Department of Agriculture's recent data portrays an encouraging scenario for South Dakota's agricultural sector in 2023. A significant upturn is observed in the state's corn harvest, which is projected to touch 816 million bushels - a notable increase of 23% from the previous year.
This rise can be attributed to the expansion in the harvest area to 5.59 million acres (up by 12%) and an impressive average yield of 146 bushels per acre, surpassing last year's figure by 14 bushels.
Soybeans, another key crop, isn't far behind. Farmers anticipate reaping 217 million bushels, marking a 13% increase from the preceding year. While the harvest will spread across 5.05 million acres (slightly reduced from 2022), the average yield is projected to elevate by 5 bushels, achieving 43 bushels per acre.
A local Aberdeen farmer credits the positive shift in crop yields to timely rains, disaster insurance, and subsidy programs for crops like corn and soybeans, which provided a cushioning effect and made them a preferred choice.
Sorghum, often termed 'milo', is yet another highlight of the agricultural projections. The USDA expects the state to harvest a massive 21.7 million bushels, a staggering 82% leap from the previous year. With 255,000 acres dedicated to sorghum (a 46% increment), the yield per acre is forecasted to reach 85 bushels. If achieved, this would set a record, surpassing the previous best by 17 bushels.
South Dakota's agricultural practices, strategic decisions, and favorable weather patterns are projected to yield promising futures for its farming community.
Photo Credit: istock-oticki
Categories: South Dakota, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, Harvesting