|
Small grain harvest progressesSouth Dakota There were 5.8 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending Aug. 10 which allowed the small grain harvest to progress at a strong pace, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, South Dakota Field Office, Aug. 11. Farm activities focused on the small grain harvest, general care of livestock, spraying soybeans for aphids, and assessing the crop and structural damage from recent weather events in some areas. Widespread heavier rainfalls occurred over the western part of the state, leading to some flooding over the weekend in Fall River, Custer, Butte, and Harding Counties, according to the State Climate Office of South Dakota. Some flooding was also reported around the Watertown area. Eleven stations reported more than one inch of rainfall with two of these stations (Porcupine and Murdo) reporting more than two inches of rainfall. Radar data and other stations indicated three or more inch amounts in certain areas of these counties. This was in contrast to much of the eastern area of the state where little precipitation was reported with four stations reporting no rainfall and several other stations less than 0.10 inch. Temperatures were generally near average across the state with some variability by location. Nearly all stations were within 1 F of average. Conditions on the U.S. Drought Monitor included spotty 'abnormally dry' conditions across the state, mostly east of the river. Small 'moderately dry' areas were still reported in the far northeast corner of the state and far southern Fall River County of the southwest. Topsoil moisture ratings decreased slightly, now rated at 77 percent adequate to surplus. Subsoil moisture ratings remained at 78 percent adequate to surplus, but still remains 37 percentage points higher than the five-year average. Winter wheat harvest continued, with 90 percent complete. The harvest of spring wheat jumped to 34 percent complete. Oats and barley were reported at 59 and 33 percent harvested, respectively. However, rain and storms over the weekend have slowed small grain harvest in northern areas of the state. Corn was 80 percent silked, and 15 percent was in the dough stage. Soybeans were progressing quickly with 54 percent setting pods. Thirty-four percent of sunflowers were blooming, and 60 percent of the sorghum crop was headed. Crop damage from flooding, hail, and high winds was reported in some areas in the northern part of the state. The second cutting of alfalfa was 83 percent complete, and a third cutting was 13 percent complete. Range and pasture conditions remained fairly stable, at 74 percent good to excellent. Feed supplies and stock water supplies remained strong at 95 and 89 percent adequate to surplus, respectively. Livestock conditions were high with cattle rated 89 percent good to excellent and sheep rated 93 percent good to excellent. However, some producers are concerned about the effect of flies and humidity on livestock. 8/18/08 Date: 8/12/08
Copyright/Privacy
Copyright 1995-2008. High Plains Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. Any republishing of these pages, including electronic reproduction of the editorial archives or classified advertising, is strictly prohibited. If you have questions or comments you can reach us at High Plains Journal 1500 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd., P.O. Box 760, Dodge City, KS 67801 or call 1-800-452-7171. Email: webmaster@hpj.com |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||
