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Cooler weather does not hurt crop progressSouth Dakota Overall cooler weather during the week ending Aug. 17 did not severely hamper the small grain harvest and row crop development in South Dakota, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, South Dakota Field Office, Aug. 18. There were 5.6 days suitable for fieldwork in the past week. Farm activities focused on the small grain harvest, general care of livestock, spraying soybeans for aphids and weeds, and the cutting of hay in some areas. Cooler than average temperatures covered South Dakota this week, according to the State Climate Office of South Dakota. Temperatures ranged from 2 to 7 F below average in the western third of the state. Most of the rest of the state was warmer, but still below average. A few thunderstorms dropped heavier precipitation in isolated areas east of the river. Huron reported the highest total precipitation at 2.78 inches. Britton and Centerville also reported over 2 inch amounts. Most of the western part of the state had light precipitation (less than a few tenths). Most of the heavier rainfalls fell in areas that had been drier so far this season. The colder temperatures set back GDD accumulation in the west and northwest, where some of the largest seasonal GDDs deviations exist. Accumulations in the corn and soybean areas are holding fairly steady compared to averages, although still running several days to a week behind accumulation. Topsoil moisture ratings remained stable statewide, now rated at 81 percent adequate to surplus, 37 percentage points higher than the five-year average. Subsoil moisture ratings also saw little change at 79 percent adequate to surplus, and are 39 percentage points higher than the five-year average. The U.S. Drought Monitor has not rated any area in South Dakota higher than D0 (Abnormally Dry) and this area covers 17.9 percent of the state. Winter wheat harvest is nearly complete, this week estimated at 97 percent complete. A majority of the spring planted small grains have been harvested in the state with 81 percent of the oats harvested, 68 percent of the barley harvested and 66 percent of the spring wheat harvested. Corn progressed to 90 percent silked, and 32 percent was in the dough stage. Seventy-three percent of the soybean acreage is setting pods, 14 percentage points behind the five-year average. The sunflower crop has 67 percent in the blooming stage and 84 percent of the sorghum crop is headed. Some producers are concerned about the impact that an early frost could have on row crop production in this state. The second cutting of alfalfa was 87 percent complete, and a third cutting was 24 percent complete. Reporters commented that some producers were able to get a third cutting of alfalfa in areas that generally do not get more than two. Range and pasture conditions remained fairly stable, at 73 percent good to excellent. Feed supplies and stock water supplies remained strong at 95 and 90 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. 8/25/08 Date: 8/20/08 Advertisement
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