News

South Dakota rain improving soil

Rain in South Dakota is mostly welcome, improving soil moisture conditions for crops.  Total rainfall last week ranged from a half-inch to one-inch in all but Northeast South Dakota, which got higher amounts. Topsoil moisture is 70 percent good, 10 percent surplus with sub-soil moisture just a bit behind those.

Corn planting is on target with 96 percent complete as of Sunday. One fourth of the crop is in fair condition, 63 percent is good.

Soybean planting, at 76 percent complete is ahead of last year but a little behind average. Emergence is 42 percent complete, close to last year but ahead of average.

Spring wheat emergence is nearly 100% and the crop is mostly fair to good.

More than 40 percent of winter wheat has headed, well ahead…and nearly 40 percent has headed, also ahead.