Rain Boosts Soil Moisture, Hampers Planting in South Dakota

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Rain over the past week in South Dakota boosted soil moisture but hampered the planting of crops.

The Agriculture Department says in its weekly crop progress report that topsoil moisture supplies statewide are rated 76 percent adequate to surplus, and subsoil moisture is 64 percent in those categories.

The planting of corn and soybeans still remains ahead the average pace. About 60 percent of South Dakota's soybean crop and 91 percent of the corn crop is in the ground.

Spring wheat planting is almost wrapped up, at 98 percent complete. That's near the long-term average.

Livestock pasture and range conditions are rated mostly fair to excellent.

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