SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - The number of irrigation permits is soaring in South Dakota, due to last year's drought and to lucrative market prices for corn, wheat and soybeans.
Officials say snow and rain in the past month have improved drought conditions in much of South Dakota, but soil deep below the surface is still very dry.
A study from the South Dakota Center for Farm/Ranch Business Management says drought and other factors made the livestock business financially difficult last year.
Drought conditions have not changed in South Dakota over the week, with all of the state in some form of drought and more than half in the two worst categories.