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Soil moisture improves with weather
South Dakota
Warm, damp weather may have been beneficial for soil moisture during the week ending Sept. 19, however, many producers have had to postpone silage harvest and winter Wheat seeding due to wet fields, according to the South Dakota Agricultural Statistics Service, Sept. 20.
Crop development remains behind normal. Producers are hoping for a late frost, which will allow as much of the crop to reach maturity as possible. Major farm activities included harvesting silage, cutting hay, caring for livestock, and preparing for fall harvest. Statewide, 4.7 days were suitable for fieldwork.
Precipitation helped to improve topsoil and subsoil moisture levels across the state last week. Topsoil moisture is rated 67 percent adequate to surplus, above last week's 60 percent and last year's 34 percent adequate to surplus. Subsoil is currently rated 53 percent adequate to surplus.
Warm weather last week helped crops reach maturity, however crop development continues to lag behind normal. The corn crop is 75 percent in the dent stage, with 19 percent rated mature. Harvest of corn silage continues, with 42 percent harvested, well behind last year's 79 percent. Soybeans are currently rated at 60 percent dropping leaves and 11 percent mature, behind last year's 80 percent and 29 percent, respectively. Sorghum development advances with 84 percent coloring and 28 percent rated mature. Sorghum silage harvest is 49 percent complete. Winter Wheat seeding advanced through the damp weather last week to 39 percent seeded with 6 percent emerged, slightly ahead of last year's 5 percent emerged.
The precipitation received last week improved range and pasture conditions across the state; however, more moisture is needed throughout the fall and winter to have a lasting effect. Cattle and sheep remain in good to excellent condition. Alfalfa condition is rated 73 percent fair to excellent, with harvest of a third cutting 79 percent complete.
Date: 9/22/04
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