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Drought taking toll on Dakota crops

Drought conditions are taking a toll on crops in the Dakotas.

North Dakota State University Extension agronomist Dr. Hans Kandel says a fairly dry spring has stunted wheat in the Red River Valley and beyond.

“The (wheat) is starting to head out a little faster than we would expect or hope for, which most likely will give us a little bit of a reduction in our yield potential.”

South Dakota is under a drought emergency, and Kandel says parts of Montana are moisture deficient as well.

He tells Brownfield storms last week brought a mixed bag–the moisture was welcome, but hail damaged soybeans, dry beans and canola.

The majority of North Dakota’s corn crop is fairing a bit better.

“But there was some stress last week where some of the color changed to a little bit darker green (and) bluish tint, showing that the crop was under some drought stress.”

Kandel says central and western North Dakota are driest, with conditions in roughly two-thirds of the state listed in moderate to severe drought.