The dry weather will likely help South Dakota farmers get a jump on spring corn planting.

State climatologist Dennis Todey says planting generally runs from late April to mid-June, but weather conditions this year mean it might be able to proceed significantly ahead of normal.

SDSU Extension crop production extension associate Jonathan Kleinjan says farmers might need to plant deeper than usual 1.5-inch depth because of the dryer soil but no deeper than 3 inches.

He says ideal seeding depth should be based on soil conditions and the near-term or ten-day weather outlook.

Todey says corn shouldn't be planted until morning soil temperatures at a depth of 2 inches are at least 50 degrees.

The Associated Press contributed to this story

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