Spring Planting Is Lagging In South Dakota

Farmers are gearing up in full force for spring planting with already underway and actually behind right now. Planting of spring wheat and barley is lagging behind the average pace in South Dakota.

The Agriculture Department says in its weekly crop and weather report that 6 percent of the state's spring wheat crop is in the ground, compared to 22 percent on average. Only 1 percent of barley is seeded, behind the long-term average of 13 percent. Seeding of oats is equal to the average pace, with 23 percent planted.

Soil moisture is good across the state, with topsoil supplies rated 84 percent adequate to surplus and subsoil supplies rated 85 percent in those categories.

And as far as the latest report we have on livestock, things are positive. Most South Dakota ranchers reported good calving conditions over the week. Cattle and calf conditions are rated 67 percent good to excellent.

Source: Associated Press