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Snow hinders spring planting, livestock careSouth Dakota Blizzard conditions in western South Dakota and above average precipitation and below-average temperatures across the state during the week ending May 4, impacted South Dakota by slowing spring planting and creating difficulties in caring for livestock, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, South Dakota Field Office, May 5. There were 3.0 days suitable for fieldwork in the past week. Farm activities focused on preparing equipment, seeding of small grain, calving and lambing activities, and general care of livestock. The most recent major winter storm hit the western part of the state most heavily at the end of last week, according to the State Climate Office of South Dakota. The snow was confined to an area generally southwest of a Buffalo to Martin line. Snow reports of three to four feet were recorded in and north of the Black Hills. Amounts over a foot were more widespread. The snow, accompanied by winds reaching 50 to 60 miles per hour, produced severe conditions for any travel or outdoor work. Power lines were knocked down north of the Black Hills leading to significant power outages. Areas east of the snow received significant amounts of rainfall in most places west of the river. Widespread amounts over an inch, and over two inches, fell in some places in the north central to northwest parts of the state. Timber Lake had the largest amount reported, at 3.55 inches, for the week. Areas of the southeast part of the state also received rainfall amounts over an inch. Temperatures ran much colder than average again ranging from 2 to 10 degrees F below average for the week, although there were a couple relatively warm days prior to the storm. The precipitation and colder air temperatures continued to hold down soil temperatures into the middle 40s. Soil temperatures remained in the middle 40s, due to lower than average temperatures and above-average precipitation across the state. The highest soil temperature was recorded in Oacoma, at 53 F. The lowest soil temperature of 42 F was recorded in South Shore. The U.S. Drought Monitor continues to rate 11.6 percent of South Dakota in severe drought conditions. Heavy precipitation across the state hindered the acceleration of spring planting, but improved soil moisture conditions in many parts of the state. Planting of small grain continues to accelerate with a 26 percentage point increase in barley, to 60 percent planted; a 26 percentage point increase in oats, to 73 percent planted; and a 25 percentage point increase in spring wheat, to 75 percent planted. Winter wheat condition continues to remain stable, now rated at 63 percent good to excellent. Concerns of some heavy winterkill and the need for spraying of army cutworms have been noted by several reporters. Corn planted, this week estimated at 10 percent, remains well behind last year and the five-year average, at 24 percent and 32 percent, respectively. Range and pasture conditions are rated at 54 percent good to excellent, up 6 percentage points from last week. Calving has progressed to 86 percent complete, with multiple reports of calving difficulties as the result of heavy snow and rain conditions that hit several areas across the state. The percent of cattle moved out to pasture has progressed to 25 percent. Lambing is estimated at 92 percent complete, 6 percentage points ahead of last week.
Date: 5/8/08
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