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Rains fall, most areas could use more moistureSouth Dakota For the second week in a row, much of the state received some amount of precipitation during the week ending Aug. 12, however, most areas could use more rainfall, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, South Dakota Field Office, Aug. 13. With 5.4 days suitable for fieldwork, major farm activities included harvesting small grains and hay, caring for livestock, and cutting silage. This report is based on information from county extension educators, Farm Service Agency county directors, and other reporters across the state. Sporadic thunderstorms hit various parts of the state during the week, according to the State Climate Office of South Dakota. Some isolated locations received more than an inch, while many areas received very little. The heavier rainfalls occurred in the far northeast, north central and in Harding County in the northwest. Large areas just west of the river and in the northeast have continued to run well below average over the last 30 days. There were also widespread reports of hail over 0.75 of an inch. No specific crop damage reports were included with the storm reports. Temperatures were well above average for the week again ranging from only a couple degrees in the far eastern edge of the state to over 6º F above average in the far southwest. High temperatures reached well above 100 F again in the western quarter of the state. The combined hotter and drier than average conditions, in the western part of the state particularly, continue to reduce the satellite-derived vegetation condition over most of the rangeland areas. Light precipitation around the state improved soil moisture ratings. Topsoil moisture was rated at 51 percent short to very short, which was down from 66 percent last week and 59 percent for the five-year average. Subsoil moisture rating improved from 60 percent short to very short last week to 56 percent this week, which is also better than the five-year average of 63 percent. The small grain harvest is nearing completion. The spring wheat harvest has progressed to 90 percent complete this week, 16 percentage points ahead of last week and 7 points ahead of the five-year average. Oats are 95 percent harvested, the same percentage harvested as last year at this time. The barley harvest is 80 percent complete, up 28 percentage points from last week. The corn crop matured quickly this week, spurred on by precipitation. Corn is 41 percent in the dough stage, up 23 percent from last week and 7 percent above the five-year average. Ten percent of the corn crop is dented, 4 percentage points above the five-year average. Eighty-four percent of soybeans are setting pods, which is 8 points ahead of the five-year average. Only 5 percent of the soybean crop is dropping leaves. Recent rainfall resulted in slight improvements to alfalfa and range and pasture conditions. Range and pasture conditions were rated at 41 percent good to excellent, up 4 percentage points from last week. Alfalfa condition was rated at 41 percent good to excellent, up from 35 percent last week. Producers are managing livestock well to keep cattle and sheep conditions favorably stable. There were a few reports of pink eye in cattle this week. Date: 8/15/07
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