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Corn planting nears finish for some in SE South Dakota

Some parts of South Dakota could use rain, but they’re well ahead of the normal planting pace.

“We’re a little bit dry, but corn, for the most part, is planted and soybean planting has started.” Jerry Schmitz told Brownfield Ag News Thursday.  “People are just pretty excited – the weather’s been wonderful.”

Schmitz, who farms the South Dakota side of the Missouri River near Vermillion, says he’s confident there’s enough moisture to start the crop.

“In some area’s there’s even subsoil moisture,” said Schmitz.  “In a very small area [of South Dakota] there’s been excessive moisture.”

In fact, Schmitz is showing restraint by not getting too far ahead for this point in the planting season.

“I would love to start planting soybeans,” Schmitz admitted.  “The soil is ready, though the temperature of the soil is just a little cool yet.  I’m pulling myself back, but I really would like to start planting soybeans.”

Cool nights caused soil temperatures in Jerry’s fields to drop.  “A week ago, we were 51 degrees or a little better,” he said, “and this week, we’re back down to 47, 48.”  Schmitz attributes the dropping soil temperatures to some recent cool nights during which temperatures dipped into the 20s, but he’s not fazed by the freeze.  His corn has yet to emerge, but his expectations are high.

“I see that most of the corn seeds that were planted have a sprout on them, so we’re good to go,” he said, expressing optimism that peaks among farmers at this time of the year.

“Overall in this little corner,” said Schmitz, “we’ve been very fortunate.”

AUDIO: Jerry Schmitz (2 min. MP3)