News

Dry weather hurting South Dakota pastures, crops

Warm, dry weather has been hard on South Dakota pastures.  The USDA’s Ag Statistics Service says most are in fair to poor condition with moderate to severe drought conditions in much of western South Dakota.  Statewide, topsoil moisture is 62 percent adequate to surplus.

Spring wheat harvest is almost done.

Corn is now only 52 percent good to excellent. Corn is 45 percent dented and 5 percent mature.  Soybeans are 59 good to excellent. Fourteen percent are dropping leaves.

The bulk of the state’s alfalfa is rated poor, fair or good.  None is excellent.  The third cutting is 57 percent done.