South Dakota

Mild weather during the week ending Aug. 21 allowed for advancements in small grain harvest; however, the continued lack of significant precipitation has caused row crop conditions to deteriorate slightly, according to the South Dakota Agricultural Statistics Service, Aug. 22.

Scattered precipitation was reported across the state, with topsoil moisture levels increasing slightly and subsoil moisture levels falling. Major farm activities included haying, moving hay, irrigating, combining small grains, preparing for and harvesting of silage, and caring for livestock. Statewide, there were 5.8 days reported suitable for fieldwork.

Scattered precipitation caused topsoil moisture levels to raise 2 percentage points last week, with 46 percent now rated adequate to surplus. Subsoil moisture levels dropped from 47 percent adequate to surplus the previous week, to 44 percent adequate to surplus last week. Both topsoil and subsoil moisture levels are fairly similar to moisture levels at this time last year.

Last week's warm and predominantly dry weather caused row crop conditions to decline again. Corn is currently rated 56 percent good to excellent, down 2 percentage points from the previous week, with soybeans falling 4 percentage points to 58 percent good to excellent. Corn development has advanced to 68 percent in the dough stage and 20 percent in the dent stage, both ahead of last year's progress. Corn silage harvest is also ahead of last year, with harvest 7 percent complete. Soybean development is behind the five-year average for both setting pods and dropping leaves, with ratings at 88 percent and 5 percent, respectively. Development of the state's sunflower crop is slower than normal, with 90 percent blooming, 18 percent having ray flowers dry, and 4 percent with bracts yellow.

Mild weather last week was beneficial to livestock throughout the state; however, range and pasture conditions and stock water supplies continue to be stressed. Stock water supplies fell from 65 percent adequate to surplus the previous week to 61 percent adequate to surplus last week. Range and pasture conditions are rated at 48 percent good to excellent, with livestock in mostly fair to excellent condition. Alfalfa harvest advanced, with 92 percent of the second cutting complete and 29 percent of the third cutting complete.

Date: 8/24/05