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Dry conditions continue to impact South Dakota farmers

Dry conditions continue across most of South Dakota.  USDA says only 28% of farmland has adequate topsoil moisture, with 46% short of moisture and 26% very short with similar subsoil readings.

Most crops are harvested in South Dakota, and the sunflower crop is 94% harvested.

Eighty-six percent of the winter wheat crop has emerged, with is 12% behind average.  Much of the wheat needs rain with only 3% in excellent condition, 21% rated good, and 44% rated fair.

The dryness is also impacting pasture and rangeland.  Only 17% of pasture and rangeland is in good condition, with 29% fair, 28% poor, and 26% in very poor condition.