| ||||
|
|
Weather slows drying of crops, harvest
South Dakota
Cold, damp weather during the week ending Oct. 17 slowed the drying of crops in the fields, however significant advances were still made in soybean harvest, according to the South Dakota Agricultural Statistics Service, Oct. 18.
While harvest progress for corn remains behind normal, winter Wheat seeding and emergence are progressing at a steady rate. Major farm activities included combining row crops, harvesting silage, fall tillage, planting fall crops, fixing fence, and caring for livestock. Statewide, 6.4 days were suitable for fieldwork.
Topsoil and subsoil moisture levels fell slightly last week, with much of the state receiving little to no precipitation. Topsoil moisture is rated at 75 percent adequate to surplus, compared to the previous week's 80 percent. Subsoil moisture is rated at 63 percent adequate to surplus. Soil temperatures were below normal for much of the state, with the average soil temperature at 51.4 degrees.
While high moisture corn is being harvested in some areas, many farmers are postponing corn harvest until it has had more time to dry down in the field. The corn crop is only 14 percent harvested, well behind last year's 41 percent. Sorghum harvest remains behind with 39 percent complete, compared to last year's 78 percent. Silage harvest nears completion, with corn silage 98 percent harvested and sorghum silage 93 percent harvested. Soybean harvest advanced 33 percentage points last week, with harvest now 76 percent complete, ahead of the five-year average of 74 percent. Sunflower are rated at 81 percent mature, with 21 percent harvested. Winter Wheat seeding is 94 percent complete, just ahead of the five-year average of 93 percent. Winter Wheat emergence, at 68 percent, is also just ahead of the average of 67 percent.
Cattle and sheep remained in mostly fair to excellent condition last week. Range and pastures improved slightly with 36 percent rated good to excellent, compared to the previous week's 30 percent good to excellent. The harvest of third cutting alfalfa is winding down, with harvest 96 percent complete.
Date: 10/20/04
Copyright 1995-2008. High Plains Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. Any republishing of these pages, including electronic reproduction of the editorial archives or classified advertising, is strictly prohibited. If you have questions or comments you can reach us at High Plains Journal 1500 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd., P.O. Box 760, Dodge City, KS 67801 or call 1-800-452-7171. Email: webmaster@hpj.com
 
| |||||||||||||||||||
