South Dakota

Temperatures were above normal again during the week ending Sept. 18, with many parts of the state receiving some much-needed precipitation, according to the South Dakota Agricultural Statistics Service, Sept. 19.

Rains helped to improve soil moisture levels; however, storms moved through several areas bringing some reports of hail damage. Row crop harvest began for many, with other major farm activities including seeding of winter wheat, silage harvest, cutting alfalfa, moving hay and grain, and caring for livestock. Statewide, there were 5.8 days reported suitable for fieldwork.

Recent rains helped to improve topsoil and subsoil moisture levels. Topsoil moisture ratings rose 7 percentage points, to a current rating of 52 percent adequate to surplus. Subsoil moisture levels improved slightly, to 45 percent adequate to surplus, below last year's rating of 53 percent adequate to surplus.

Winter Wheat seeding is still a major farm activity for producers throughout the state, with many commenting that the recent rains should be beneficial for the crop. Winter Wheat seeding is 44 percent complete, with 4 percent emerged.

Corn development remains ahead of last year, with the crop 96 percent in the dent stage, 43 percent rated mature, and 2 percent of the crop harvested. Corn silage harvest advanced to 74 percent complete, ahead of last year's 39 percent and the five-year average of 67 percent. Both soybean development and harvest are ahead of last year and the five-year averages, with 86 percent of the crop dropping leaves, 32 percent rated mature, and 3 percent harvested.

Sorghum development is also ahead of last year and the five-year average, with 93 percent of the crop coloring and 41 percent rated mature. Sorghum harvest for grain, at 3 percent complete, is in line with last year; while sorghum silage harvest, at 74 percent complete, is well ahead of last year's 46 percent. Sunflower development is similar to the five-year average, yet ahead of last year's development. Sunflower are rated at 92 percent having ray flowers dry, 75 percent having bracts yellow, and 10 percent mature. Sunflower harvest is just starting at 1 percent complete, compared to the five-year average of 2 percent.

Cattle and sheep remained in mostly good to excellent condition with last week's warm weather. Precipitation may have greened up pastures in some areas; however the condition of range and pastures fell from 42 percent good to excellent the previous week to 38 percent good to excellent last week. Stock water supplies increased two percentage points, to a rating of 60 percent adequate to surplus. Alfalfa harvest continued, with the third cutting now 80 percent complete.