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Weather allows crops to advanceSouth Dakota The combination of warm weather and rain advanced row crop development during the week ending June 28, with small grain development moving well ahead of normal, according to the South Dakota Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, June 19. Precipitation amounts were greatest in the eastern areas. Major farm activities include haying, cultivation, spraying, irrigating crops, and tending to livestock. Statewide, there were 5.4 days reported suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil and subsoil moisture levels improved slightly last week, due to scattered rain showers. Topsoil moisture levels improved from 42 percent adequate to surplus the previous week, to 49 percent adequate to surplus last week. Subsoil moisture remained at 45 percent adequate to surplus. A combination of warmer weather and moisture has helped row crop development move ahead of last year and the five-year average. Average corn height has increased to 15 inches, compared to the average of 10 inches. Soybean planting is 99 percent complete, while emergence is at 94 percent, compared to the average 96 percent planted and 86 percent emerged. Sorghum planting is at 97 percent, ahead of the five-year average of 84 percent. Sunflower planting is at 91 percent, ahead of last year's 62 percent and the five-year average of 78 percent. Winter w heat headed is rated at 98 percent, ahead of last year's 88 percent and the 81 percent average. Winter Wheat turning color is at 47 percent, compared to the five-year average of 6 percent. Small grain development continues ahead of last year and the five-year averages. Cattle and sheep remain in mostly good to excellent condition. Range and pasture conditions continue to deteriorate across the state. Stock water supplies remained the same, with 57 percent in adequate to surplus supply. First cutting of alfalfa hay has advanced to 82 percent cut, an increase of 24 points. Second cutting of alfalfa hay began last week, with 2 percent cut. Date: 6/21/06
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