South Dakota Crop Progress Stays Ahead of Normal Pace

South Dakota farmers made planting strides last week despite having just over two days suitable for fieldwork. Corn is 92 percent planted and 70 percent emerged, well ahead of average. Soybean progress is also strong at 79 percent planted and 45 percent emerged. Spring wheat and oats are developing faster than normal, though winter wheat remains behind in heading. Pasture conditions are mostly fair to good, and moisture levels remain a concern, with 42 percent of topsoil and 46 percent of subsoil rated short to very short.