For the week ending May 17, cool, wet conditions slowed fieldwork across much of the state, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, South Dakota Field Office, May 18. Crop development was also slowed by the below-normal temperatures. A second week of welcome rainfall continued to improve soil moisture ratings. Statewide, there were 2.1 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 9 percent very short, 20 short, 62 adequate, and 9 surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 11 percent very short, 32 short, 54 adequate, and 3 surplus.

Corn planted rated 83 percent, ahead of 70 last year and the five-year average of 66. Emerged was 46 percent, well ahead of 13 last year and 21 average.

Soybeans planted rated 42 percent complete, ahead of 29 last year and 24 average. Emerged was 4 percent, near 2 last year and 3 average.

Spring wheat condition rated 0 percent very poor, 8 poor, 50 fair, 41 good, and 1 excellent. Spring wheat planted rated 97 percent, ahead of 82 last year and 89 average. Emerged was 77 percent, well ahead of 40 last year and 59 average.

Winter wheat condition rated 10 percent very poor, 26 poor, 43 fair, 21 good, and 0 excellent. Winter wheat jointed was 46 percent, well ahead of 10 last year. Headed was 1 percent, ahead of 0 last year, but near 6 average.

Oats condition rated 0 percent very poor, 3 poor, 31 fair, 61 good, and 5 excellent. Oats planted rated 98 percent, well ahead of 80 last year and 87 average. Emerged was 84 percent, well ahead of 54 last year and 61 average.

Barley planted rated 97 percent, well ahead of 54 last year and 75 average. Emerged was 77 percent, well ahead of 14 last year and 42 average.

Sorghum planted rated 11 percent, ahead of 3 last year and 5 average.

Pasture and range conditions were rated 5 percent very poor, 19 poor, 43 fair, 28 good and 5 excellent.

Stock water supplies rated 10 percent very short, 22 short, 66 adequate, and 2 surplus.

Source - www.hpj.com