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Water still standing in some fields
South Dakota
Warm, sunny weather during the week ending June 19 allowed farmers to finally get back into the fields after several days of cool temperatures and rainfall, according to the South Dakota Agricultural Statistics Service, June 20.
Many producers still have water standing in the fields and may face drowned-out low spots. The warm weather also allowed farmers to continue alfalfa harvesting after the long delay from the heavy rainfall. Major farm activities included machinery repair, planting of row crops, hay harvesting, fertilizing and applying herbicides, fixing fence, and tending to livestock. Statewide there were 4 days reported suitable for fieldwork.
Topsoil and subsoil moisture levels changed very little. Topsoil moisture conditions are now at 97 percent adequate to surplus, compared to last week's 95 percent; while subsoil conditions, at 90 percent adequate to surplus, stayed the same. With highly saturated soils, water is standing in many fields because of the heavy rainfall in the last few weeks. Northeastern and southeastern parts of the state reported surplus moisture levels, while areas in the northwest are extremely dry.
After a few early-week storms, sunshine and warm weather returned, allowing producers to finally resume planting soybeans and other fieldwork. With the warm temperatures, corn development progressed and is now at an average height of 12 inches, ahead of last year's average of 11 inches and in line with the five-year average. Soybean planting is at 91 percent completed, compared to 97 percent a year ago and the five-year average of 99 percent. Some producers are considering planting alternative crops in excessively wet fields. Soybeans are rated at 71 percent good to excellent, down from last week's 76 percent. Corn conditions also declined from 81 percent to 75 percent good to excellent, with some showing water damage. More rust and diseases have been found in spring Wheat and winter Wheat across the state. Barley, oats, and spring Wheat are now 64 percent, 70 percent, and 73 percent in the boot stage, respectively, and are still far behind last year's averages of 78 percent, 83 percent, and 89 percent. Winter Wheat is 91 percent headed and is 6 percent starting to turn color.
Stock dams are full and running over in many areas across the state. Cattle and sheep continue to be in predominantly good to excellent condition. Range and pasture conditions are rated at 81 percent good to excellent, far ahead of last year's 41 percent and the five-year average of 52 percent. Producers were finally able to continue alfalfa harvesting at the end of the week, and are looking forward to an excellent second cutting due to widespread rainfall. Alfalfa is now rated at 56 percent good to excellent and is 29 percent harvested.
Date: 6/21/05
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