Fields dry out, allow for fieldwork to continue

Mild weather during the week ending April 16 saw temperatures well above normal and provided excellent drying conditions for several areas of the state, helping fields to dry to an appropriate level for fieldwork to continue, according to the South Dakota Agricultural Statistics Service, April 17.

Progress was made in fertilizing and small grain seeding, as well as preparation for row crop planting. Other major farm activities included routine chores, caring for livestock, cleaning cattle lots, fencing, and calving and lambing. Statewide, there were 4.2 days reported suitable for fieldwork.

Last week's predominantly dry weather did little to change soil moisture levels from the previous week, with topsoil rated at 87 percent adequate to surplus and subsoil rated at 73 percent adequate to surplus. Soil temperatures from reporting stations aver aged 52.9 degrees, approximately 13 degrees above normal.

With fields dry enough to continue fieldwork by mid-week for much of the state, small grain seeding showed advancements, yet progress remains behind both last year and the five-year average. Barley, oats, and spring Wheat are 14 percent, 32 percent, and 35 percent seeded, respectively, with emergence ratings at 2 percent, 7 percent, and 6 percent, respectively. Winter Wheat condition improved further last week, with the crop now rated at 58 percent good to excellent. Winter Wheat breaking dormancy is rated at 94 percent behind last year's 99 percent, yet ahead of the five-year average of 82 percent.

Feed supplies and stock water supplies remained similar to the previous week, in mostly adequate to surplus supply. While some reports stated that recent rains have helped to fill stock dams, others still comment that more precipitation is needed to bring water levels in stock dams up to a reasonable level. Range and pasture condition remains similar to the previous week, rated at 53 percent good to excellent. While cattle and sheep remain in mostly good to excellent condition, 13 percent of cattle have been moved to pastures. Calving and lambing have advanced to 72 percent and 73 percent complete, respectively; both ahead of last year's progress and the five-year average. Calf and sheep and lamb deaths remain mostly at or below average.

Date: 4/19/06

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