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Warm temps accelerate crop developmentSouth Dakota Warmer temperatures during the week ending Aug. 3, accelerated crop development in South Dakota, while some areas in the north-central and northeast regions of the state saw crop and structural damage from strong wind and hail events, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, South Dakota Field Office, Aug. 4. There were 5.5 days suitable for fieldwork in the past week. Farm activities focused on the cutting of hay, general care of livestock, and the harvest of small grains. More severe storms occurred across the state during the week bringing some rainfall, but also some severe weather, according to the State Climate Office of South Dakota. The peak precipitation report was 2.24 inches at Sisseton. A few other stations in the north east reported amounts over 1 inch. Again many stations missed out with over a dozen stations reporting no precipitation for the week. The storms did produce fairly widespread hail and wind reports. One particular storm crossed an area from McPherson County southeast toward the Milbank and Watertown areas causing widespread property and crop damage in its path. Temperature conditions were 1 F to 6 F above average for all of the state but a few areas in the northeast. Growing degree day accumulation has improved somewhat, but little additional accumulation of GDDs can occur in the middle of summer. Much of the state also experienced very high dew points during the week. Topsoil moisture ratings remained stable, now rated at 81 percent adequate to surplus. Subsoil moisture ratings decreased slightly to 78 percent adequate to surplus, but still remains 37 percentage points higher than the five-year average. Above-average temperatures pushed crop progress across the state. The winter wheat harvest jumped 45 percentage points to 67 percent complete. Corn tasseled and silked jumped 42 and 40 percentage points to 86 percent and 60 percent, respectively. Soybeans are currently 86 percent in the blooming stage and 24 percent setting pods. The harvest of spring planted small grains is also in full swing with oats at 29 percent harvested, barley at 10 percent harvested and spring wheat at 9 percent harvested. The second cutting of alfalfa is now 76 percent complete in the state. Range and pasture conditions declined slightly, now at 74 percent good to excellent, but still remains 37 percentage points higher than the five-year average. Feed supplies and stock water supplies remain strong at 97 and 91 percent adequate to surplus, respectively. Some producers are concerned about the effect of excessive flies and high heat and humidity combinations on livestock, but livestock ratings remain high with cattle rated 90 percent good to excellent and sheep rated 93 percent good to excellent. 8/11/08 Date: 8/6/08 Advertisement
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