South Dakota Row Crop Harvest Well Ahead of Average Pace

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - The harvest of row crops in South Dakota is well ahead of the average pace because of continued warm and dry conditions.

The Agriculture Department says in its weekly crop and weather report that 19 percent of the corn-for-grain harvest is complete, compared to just 1 percent on average. About 15 percent of South Dakota's soybeans are in the bin. Typically the soybean harvest hasn't even begun at this time of year.

Drought is taking a toll on both crops. Close to half of each crop is rated poor or very poor.

Stock water supplies for livestock are rated 69 percent short or very short. Pasture and range conditions in the state are rated 73 percent poor or very poor.

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