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Weather aids farmers in fieldwork
South Dakota
Another week of dry weather has helped farmers to get ahead with fieldwork during the week ending May 2, yet many producers continue to deal with low moisture levels, according to the South Dakota Agricultural Statistics Service, May 3.
Major farm activities included calving and lambing, fixing fences, fertilizer and chemical application, preparing ground, and seeding of small grains and row crops. Statewide there were 6.2 days reported suitable for fieldwork.
Soil moisture levels continued to decline through last week's dry, windy weather. Topsoil moisture dropped 8 percentage points in the adequate category and is currently rated 18 percent very short, 36 percent short, and 46 percent adequate. Subsoil moisture level dropped 4 percentage points in the adequate category and is currently rated 39 percent very short, 30 percent short, and 31 percent adequate. Last week's soil temperatures averaged 53.1 degrees, 6.5 degrees above normal.
With only traces of rain this past week and ideal working conditions, planting progress has kept ahead of last year as well as the five-year average. Small grain seeding is nearing completion with barley at 87 percent seeded, oats 91 percent, and spring Wheat 97 percent. Corn planted, at 33 percent, rose 25 points compared with last week's 8 percent complete. Soybeans planted is at 2 percent, equaling the five-year average. Development of the winter Wheat crop is behind both last year and average, with only 2 percent in the boot stage compared to 10 percent last year. Winter Wheat condition increased slightly last week, with the crop rated 34 percent good to excellent, compared to the previous week's 29 percent.
Warmer temperatures have greened-up pastures, but lack of significant rainfall has limited growth. Range and pasture condition is currently rated 20 percent good to excellent, compared to the previous week's 21 percent good to excellent. Cattle moved to pasture is reported at 24 percent, compared to 25 percent last year. Cattle and sheep remain in mostly fair to excellent condition. Calving and lambing advanced last week, with calving 85 percent complete and lambing 83 percent complete. Calf and lamb deaths remain mostly below average to average across the state.
Date: 5/5/04
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