Corn Seeding Is Underway in South Dakota

Dry conditions across South Dakota over the past week have enabled farmers to start planting corn, but the lack of rain is hurting soil moisture.

The Agriculture Department says in its weekly crop progress report that about 5 percent of the corn crop is seeded, near the five-year average pace.

The planting of small grains crops is well ahead of the average.

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But subsoil moisture is rated 65 percent short or very short, and topsoil moisture is rated 67 percent short or very short.

Only 25 percent of South Dakota's winter wheat crop is rated in good to excellent condition.

The Associated Press contributed to this story