Positive News For South Dakota Farmers

The warm-up across South Dakota this week may bring some optimism to farmers as preparations begin for fall harvest.

The potential for frost last week brought worries to a few farmers, but fortunately only about 1 percent of the total corn acres in the U.S. were impacted by frost, and the weather is warmer this week as we head into the first day of astronomical fall on September 23.

However, wetter than average conditions are likely in northern and northeastern South Dakota as we move into October. And that could impact grain moisture and the ability to do field work at harvest.

The cooler than average summer and early fall season has delayed crop development, particularly for corn, soybeans and other field crops. The cooler conditions, in combination with ample moisture in June and August, ensured that most cropping areas in the state were not drought stressed and crop conditions are currently rated very good for most of South Dakota.

The latest United States Department of Agriculture projections show record yields for both corn and soybeans this year.