South Dakota Corn Planting Ahead of Average

South Dakota farmers made significant planting progress during the week ending April 27, with 5.1 days suitable for fieldwork. However, persistent dry conditions continue to challenge the region, with topsoil moisture rated 65 percent short to very short and subsoil moisture at 78 percent short to very short. Corn planting reached 23 percent, well ahead of the five-year average, while spring wheat planting led at 79 percent, with 25 percent emerged. Soybean planting was at 6 percent, oats were 72 percent planted with 21 percent emerged, and sorghum planting began at 3 percent. Winter wheat conditions remain mixed, with 33 percent rated poor to very poor.