South Dakota

Rainy weather improved soil moisture levels and was welcomed by producers across the state during the week ending April 17, with above normal temperatures benefiting small grain emergence, according to the South Dakota Agricultural Statistics Service.

Major farm activities included machinery repair and maintenance, spring tillage, seeding small grains, hauling grain, fertilizing, fixing fence, hauling manure, tending to livestock, and preparing for planting of row crops. Statewide there were 3.9 days reported suitable for fieldwork.

Both topsoil and subsoil moisture levels improved, due to the rains received. Topsoil moisture levels increased from 57 percent adequate to surplus, to a rating of 76 percent adequate to surplus. Subsoil moisture levels increased 14 percentage points, to 66 percent adequate to surplus. Soil temperatures from reporting stations averaged 47.9 degrees, 8 degrees above normal.

Rain may have delayed small grains seeding for some producers; however, significant advancements were made in seeding progress. Barley, oats, and spring Wheat seeding progress all remain behind last year, but are well ahead of the five-year average. Barley is 39 percent seeded, with 7 percent emerged. Oats seeding is 59 percent complete, with 11 percent emerged. Spring Wheat seeding is rated at 69 percent complete, with 16 percent emerged. The winter Wheat crop is currently rated at 80 percent good to excellent.

Rainy, warm weather was of benefit to livestock producers, as range and pasture conditions increased to 35 percent good to excellent. Cattle are rated at 82 percent in good to excellent condition, with sheep 81 percent in good to excellent condition. Calving and lambing advanced to 68 percent complete and 73 percent complete, respectively. Both calf and sheep and lamb deaths remained mostly at or below normal. Cattle moved to pasture is rated at 14 percent, with many producers commenting on delaying the move to protect dry pastures. Stock water supplies improved to 57 percent adequate to surplus, well above last year's level of 43 percent adequate with no surplus.

Date: 4/20/05