Topsoil moisture levels improve slightly

South Dakota

Temperatures returned to near normal across the state during the week ending Aug. 20, while scattered rainfall was welcomed for the second week in a row, according to the South Dakota Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Aug. 21.

The western three-quarters of the state remains below average for precipitation, especially since April 1. Topsoil moisture levels improved slightly last week. Row crop development continues to advance ahead of normal, while small grain harvest has been completed in most areas. Major farm activities included silage harvest, moving hay and grain, irrigating, and caring for livestock. Statewide, there were 5.4 days suitable for fieldwork.

Precipitation in many areas helped topsoil and subsoil moisture levels improve for the second week in a row. Topsoil moisture levels increased from 14 percent rated adequate two weeks ago to 37 percent rated adequate this week. Subsoil moisture levels improved to 24 percent rated adequate, compared to 11 percent two weeks ago.

Showers across the state provided needed moisture for row crops to hold steady. Soybeans setting pods is near completion at 97 percent. Soybeans dropping leaves is at 7 percent which matches the five-year average. Corn has advanced to 73 percent in the dough stage and dented is at 31 percent; compared to the five-year averages of 61 percent dough and 17 percent dented. Corn has started maturing at 2 percent. Sorghum headed is almost complete, while sorghum turning color is reported at 55 percent, ahead of the five-year average of 29 percent. Corn silage harvest is 22 percent completed, compared to 6 percent last year, while sorghum silage harvest is at 28 percent, compared to 11 percent last year. Cutting silage is well ahead of last year due to the dry conditions. Sunflower blooming is at 91 percent, ray flowers dry at 26 percent and bracts yellow at 10 percent, which closely matches the five-year averages.

Cattle and sheep remain in mostly fair to good condition, while range and pasture conditions recovered slightly with the rainfall last week. Stock water supplies also recovered slightly, with 35 percent in adequate supply compared to only 31 percent last week. Second cutting of alfalfa hay is nearing completion, with the third cutting of alfalfa hay at 40 percent cut.

Date: 8/22/06

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