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Dry weather helps planting, hay cutting progressSouth Dakota Dry weather across the state during the week ending June 22 helped in furthering the progress of late season planting, the cutting of hay and crop progress in several commodities, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service South Dakota Field Office, June 23. There were 6.0 days suitable for fieldwork in the past week. Farm activities focused on attempting to complete the planting of soybeans, the cutting of alfalfa and other hay, application of fertilizer and chemicals, and general care of livestock. As usually happens during this time of the year, precipitation becomes more isolated in thunderstorm events, according to the State Climate Office of South Dakota. During the previous week precipitation mainly occurred over the southwest half of the state. Most of the amounts were less than an inch. But some locations did receive more than 2 inches. The highest reported amount was at Custer, with 2.51 inches. Many locations again reported no measureable precipitation for the week. Some places in the east are reporting being a little dry. But none of these reports seem to be critical at this point. Some of the thunderstorms did produce severe weather, mainly large hail. Areas reporting large hail were fairly widespread across the state. Gregory County did report some crop damage because of hail. Temperatures again were below average overall ranging from near average at Britton and Sioux Falls to 5 F below average at Kennebec. These temperatures continue to contribute to below average GDD accumulation. Topsoil moisture in the surplus category decreased 13 percentage points, to 13 percent with 5 percent rated short or very short. Subsoil moisture also decreased to 10 percent surplus, compared to 18 percent last week. Eight percent of the state is rated short or very short for subsoil moisture. Dry weather across the state helped the advancement of many field crops in South Dakota. Corn emerged advanced to 98 percent complete, with the average corn height now estimated at 11 inches. Soybeans emerged has progressed to 79 percent, still 14 percentage points behind the five-year average. Winter wheat acreage is now estimated at 87 percent headed, with several reporters commenting on fungal and bacterial diseases that may have an impact on winter wheat production. The first cutting of alfalfa is 48 percent complete. Some areas reported very good quality hay and other areas reported hay ground too wet to cut or of poor quality, due to earlier cool and wet conditions. Range and pasture conditions continue to improve, this week rated at 86 percent good to excellent, 29 percentage points higher than the five-year average. Feed supplies also remain in good condition, currently rated at 94 percent adequate to surplus. Stock water supplies remain high at 94 percent adequate to surplus. Cattle condition remained stable at 92 percent good to excellent. Sheep condition improved last week, now rated at 95 percent good to excellent. 6/30/08 Date: 6/25/08
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