Abnormal to extreme drought conditions remain across South Dakota. South Dakota State University Extension State Climatologist Laura Edwards says the heat is taking a toll on the row crops. “We’ve seen corn firing up and I’ve seen ears dropping. Soybeans are nearing the end of maturity. Lots of things are progressing quickly, limiting yield. We are nearing the end. We can’t make up more time in the summer crops.” Harvest conditions will likely be warmer than average. “In general, the next three months we’ll be leaning towards warmer-than-average. That will push maturities. I’m not saying we won’t see any rain, but I don’t see substantial drought relief through the end of the year. Looking back at the 2012 drought, it was spring 2013 when we really recovered. I’d warn people to be prepared for something similar.”
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