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Hay, small grain harvest still underwaySouth Dakota Despite scattered rainfall, dry conditions over the entire state allowed producers 6.6 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending July 22, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, South Dakota Field Office, July 23. Major farm activities included harvesting small grains and hay, caring for livestock, and irrigating where available. Average temperatures across the state were above normal, according to the State Climate Office of South Dakota. Temperatures soared over 100 F in the western part of the state with Milesville and Philip hitting 109 and 108 F, respectively. Rapid City broke high temperature records for July 21 and 22. The east side of the state remained relatively cooler with highs in upper 80s and 90s. Higher temperatures continued to induce stress on crops this week, especially in the western parts of the state. Precipitation in the last 30 days has been below normal for the entire state. On a positive note, several parts of the state received at least some rain. The western part of the state received much needed rainfall, with Buffalo and Rapid City receiving more than 1 inch of rain last week. Sioux Falls received 0.31 inch of rain, after a stretch of over 25 days of insignificant to no precipitation. The northwestern and southwestern corners of the state, along with the southeastern corner and portions of Brookings County, continue to be 2 inches or more below normal since the first of October. While most parts of the state received at least some precipitation this past week, dry conditions remain across the state. Warmer-than-average temperatures have also contributed to dryer topsoil moisture and subsoil moisture conditions. The topsoil moisture rating continues to decline, with 68 percent rated short or very short, up 14 percentage points from last week and seven points higher than the five-year average of 61 percent. The subsoil moisture rating also declined, with 46 percent rated short or very short, up from 34 percent last week, but still better than normal, at 57 percent. Warm weather and dry conditions have allowed the continued rapid progression of the winter wheat harvest and the start of the harvest of other small grains. Winter wheat harvest hit 80 percent completed this week, ahead of the five-year average of 66 percent. Barley, oats, and spring wheat harvests saw their first week of significant gains at 6 percent, 29 percent, and 11 percent completed, respectively. corn tasseled has progressed to 72 percent, which is well ahead of the five-year average of 50 percent. soybeans are 78 percent blooming, ahead of normal, at 67 percent. The dry soils continue to hurt alfalfa and range and pasture conditions. Alfalfa condition dropped 6 percentage points in the good to excellent categories, now at 57 percent. Range and pasture condition dropped 4 percentage points rated good to excellent, now at 55 percent. The second cutting of alfalfa continues to progress quickly, now at 79 percent compete, and the third cutting of alfalfa has started in some areas of the state, with 3 percent harvested. Date: 7/25/07
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