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Spring fieldwork progress behind normal ratesSouth Dakota Continued cooler-than-average temperatures and widespread precipitation during the week ending June 1 have not significantly deterred spring fieldwork, though progress is still behind last year and the five-year average, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, South Dakota Field Office, June 2. There were 4.7 days suitable for fieldwork in the past week. Farm activities focused on the completion of the planting of row crops in many areas, moving cattle to pasture, application of fertilizer and chemicals and general care of livestock. Almost all parts of the state received some moisture last week, according to the State Climate Office of South Dakota. Additionally, the southeast, southwest, west-central and northcentral parts of the state had severe weather. The Belle Fourche area and Bon Homme County witnessed hail May 28 and Corson and Campbell Counties each saw hail and a tornado touchdown on June 1. The southeastern corner of the state received more than 1 inch of precipitation May 29 from the storm that brought an EF1 tornado through Yankton, Clay and Turner Counties causing widespread damage. Areas near Rapid City, Newell and Spearfish accumulated in excess of 1 inch of precipitation over the week and the Deadwood area had 3 inches of snow May 27. The National Weather Service in East Rapid City received 9.71 inches of precipitation in May setting a record of the wettest May on record, and wettest month for its period of record. The previous record for May was 9.21 inches in 1962 and the all-time high monthly precipitation record was 9.66 inches, set in July 1905. Temperatures last week were below average for all parts of the state. The overnight low was down to 25 F in Porcupine May 30. Overnight lows were in the mid-30s to lower-40s for most parts of the state, whereas daily high temperatures were in the 70s and 80s. The lower than average temperatures did not help growing degree day accumulation, which continued to remain below average for the entire state. Statewide topsoil moisture is currently rated at 16 percent short to very short, 11 percentage points higher than last year, but 6 percentage points below the five-year average. Subsoil moisture is currently rated at 21 percent short to very short, 11 percentage points below the five-year average. Drought ratings have been almost completely removed from South Dakota by the U.S. Drought Monitor. Only 0.4 percent of South Dakota is rated in severe drought conditions and only 2.6 percent in moderate drought conditions. South Dakota farmers were again able to make significant progress in spring fieldwork over the past week. Corn planted is now estimated at 93 percent complete, only four percentage points behind the five-year average. The percentage of corn emerged jumped 34 percentage points from last week, now estimated at 57 percent. Producers were also able to make progress in the planting of soybeans, now estimated at 69 percent complete, up 27 percentage points from last week. Range and pasture conditions again saw a slight improvement over last week, now rated at 64 percent good to excellent. Feed supplies remain nearly unchanged, currently rated at 87 percent adequate to surplus. Stock water supplies also remain stable, this week rated at 77 percent adequate to surplus. Cattle condition remains stable at 88 percent good to excellent and cattle moved to pasture increased 10 percentage points from last week, now estimated at 82 percent. Sheep condition has dropped slightly, this week rated at 87 percent good to excellent. 6/9/08 Date: 6/4/08
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