Soil moisture levels fall

South Dakota

Temperatures were above normal for much of the state during the week ending May 21, with minimal precipitation received in many areas, according to the South Dakota Agricultural Statistics Service, May 22.

Winter Wheat and small grain crops are being stressed, due to dry conditions, while row crop planting advances significantly. Major farm activities included caring for livestock, calving and lambing, fertilizing, working ground, small grain seeding, and planting of row crops. Statewide, there were 6.2 days reported suitable for fieldwork.

Both topsoil and subsoil moisture levels fell last week, with topsoil rated at 64 percent adequate to surplus and subsoil rated at 65 percent adequate to surplus. Soil temperatures from reporting stations averaged 59.3 degrees last week.

Corn planting advanced 19 points last week and is now 84 percent complete, 2 points ahead of average. Soybean planting jumped 28 points last week, now 41 percent complete and is 6 points ahead of normal. Winter Wheat and small grain conditions deteriorated last week, as warm temperatures and minimal precipitation stressed crops. Winter Wheat development advanced to 59 percent in boot, with 2 percent headed. Oats and spring Wheat emergence are ahead of the five year average, while barley emergence, at 74 percent, remains behind the five-year average.

Cattle and sheep remain in mostly good to excellent condition despite last week's warm weather. Range and pasture conditions vary throughout the state, as 73 percent of cattle have been moved to pastures. Stock water supplies fell last week, with 70 percent rated in adequate to surplus supply. Calving and lambing near completion, with calving 93 percent complete and lambing 97 percent complete. Alfalfa hay cutting began last week, with 4.0 percent of the acres cut.

Date: 5/24/06

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