Most South Dakota farmers are still waiting for the combination of good weather and warmer soil temperatures before moving into fieldwork.
USDA reporters say only 15% of the state’s spring wheat is planted, which is 27% behind last year but still ahead of the five-year average of 12%.
Sixteen percent of South Dakota’s oats are planted with 1% emerging.
Some parts of the state are better off when it comes to moisture levels. USDA says statewide, 20% of subsoil and topsoil is rated very short on moisture and 44% of topsoil is short on moisture with only 33% of the land having adequate moisture levels.
