USDA: Warmth Melts Snow Cover, Benefits Calving, Lambing

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture says warmer weather particularly during the latter part of February has decreased snow cover substantially and benefited calving and lambing.

The USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service says temperatures during the month were 6 to 8 degrees above normal for many South Dakota locations.

Cattle and calf conditions are rated 16 percent fair, 74 percent good and 10 percent excellent. Caving progress is 6 percent complete.

Sheep and lamb conditions are rated 1 percent poor, 19 percent fair, 67 percent good and 13 percent excellent.

Winter wheat conditions are rated 1 percent poor, 30 percent fair, 62 percent good and 7 percent excellent. Hay and roughage supplies rated 1 percent very short, 3 percent short, 84 percent adequate and 12 percent surplus.

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