Row crop harvest begins

South Dakota

Row crops are progressing to maturity at a normal pace during the week ending Sept. 17, with harvest beginning across the state, according to the South Dakota Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Sept. 18.

Precipitation throughout the state last week brought slight improvement to soil moisture levels, as well as crop conditions in some areas. Major farm activities included harvesting of silage, seeding winter wheat, fixing fence, tending to livestock, and preparing for row crop harvest. Most farmers with irrigation have finished the irrigation season. Statewide, there were 5.9 days reported suitable for fieldwork.

Both topsoil and subsoil moisture levels held steady across the state last week. Topsoil moisture levels were rated at 55 percent adequate to surplus compared to 54 percent last week. Subsoil moisture levels improved slightly, with 38 percent adequate to surplus compared to 36 percent last week.

The dented stage of corn is nearly complete at 97 percent, which is ahead of the five-year average of 89 percent, but similar to last year's 95 percent. This week 36 percent of corn is rated mature, similar to the five-year average of 35 percent, but behind the 40 percent reported last year. Corn silage harvest continues ahead of normal at 82 percent complete, compared to the five-year average of 63 percent.

Soybean development is behind last year, with 65 percent of the crop dropping leaves, compared to 83 percent last year and 69 percent for the five year average. Nine percent of the soybean crop is rated mature, well behind last year's 29 percent and the five-year average of 22 percent. Sunflower development is similar to recent years' development with 91 percent of the ray flowers dry, 75 percent of the bracts turning yellow, and 14 percent mature. The state's sorghum crop has nearly completed turning color at 93 percent, while 31 percent is rated mature. Sorghum silage harvest is 80 percent complete, ahead of both last year, at 72 percent, and the five-year average, at 58 percent. Winter Wheat seeding is now at 36 percent complete, with 3 percent emerged.

Range and pasture conditions continue to hold steady, with 29 percent rated fair and 21 percent rated good to excellent. Pastures are reported to be greening up; however, re-growth has been limited. Stock water supplies have also held steady, with 43 percent rated adequate to surplus compared to 44 percent last week. Likewise, the condition of cattle and sheep are holding steady, with 69 percent of cattle and 78 percent of sheep rated in good to excellent condition. The third cutting of alfalfa has continued to progress ahead of both last year and the five-year average, with 81 percent harvested.

Date: 9/22/06

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