While nearly 75% of South Dakota’s crops are receiving adequate rainfall, there are still dry areas in the state. According to the USDA, topsoil moisture levels are 7% very short, 26% short, 60% adequate, and 7% surplus. However, subsoil moisture ratings indicate the need for more rain to replenish the soil, with 10% very short, 33% short, 52% adequate, and only 5% surplus.
Corn crops are mostly in good condition, with 12% rated as excellent, 49% good, 30% fair, and 7% poor. The silking stage of corn is ahead of the average for this time of year, with 35% already silking.
Soybeans are at the stage of setting pods, with 7% of the crop rated as excellent, 50% good, 35% fair, and 7% poor.
The winter wheat harvest is 22% complete, but only 5% of the crop is reported as excellent. The condition of winter wheat is rated as 21% good, 37% fair, 20% poor, and 17% very poor. Only 2% of spring wheat has been harvested, and its condition is similar to winter wheat, with 4% excellent, 26% good, 39% fair, 20% poor, and 11% very poor.
Oats have a rating of 42% good, 33% fair, and 14% poor.
Sorghum crops are mostly in good condition, with 34% rated as excellent, 52% good, and 34% fair. Around 32% of the sorghum has headed.
Sunflowers have a rating of 43% good, 46% fair, and 7% poor.
Pastures and rangeland are in need of rain, as 44% are rated as good, 28% fair, 13% poor, and 7% very poor.