South Dakota Farmers Accelerate Planting Despite Dry Soil Conditions

South Dakota farmers had 6.7 days suitable for fieldwork last week, with planting progress moving quickly despite dry soil conditions. USDA reports 69 percent of corn is planted—well ahead of both last year and the five-year average—with 21 percent emerged. Soybeans are 51 percent planted and 7 percent emerged. Spring wheat is 98 percent planted and 74 percent emerged. Oats are 94 percent planted and 65 percent emerged. Moisture remains limited, with topsoil rated 66 percent short to very short and subsoil 74 percent short to very short.