Crops Look Good But Need Hot Days

    After a dryer winter, the rains came on pretty steadily this spring. Area farmers pushed through and most got their crop planted throughout Journal Country. As the Fourth of July dawns, most producers are in a solid place though hoping for some warmer weather. 
    According to the South Dakota Crop Progress report, for the week ending June 30, soil moisture levels were adequate to surplus levels. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 1% very short, 5% short, 64% adequate, and 30% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies: rated 1% very short, 8% short, 66% adequate, and 25% surplus.  
    The report found that, statewide, most crops were looking better than worse.  Corn condition rated 3% very poor, 6% poor, 18% fair, 55% good, and 18% excellent. 
    Soybean condition rated 4% very poor, 7% poor, 16% fair, 58% good, and 15% excellent. Soybeans emerged was 97%, near 99% last year and 95% for the five-year average. Blooming was 3%, behind 11% both last year and average. Winter wheat condition rated 1% very poor, 4% poor, 19% fair, 57% good, and 19% excellent. In the pasture and range report, 1% was rated very poor, 4% poor, 23% fair, 49% good, and 23% excellent.
    Area experts note that most acres were able to be planted despite some wet conditions during the planting period. Chad Voss of Agtegra in Langford said about 85-90% of acres in his area were able to be planted while Casey Erickson of Full Circle in Forman said it was even higher in his neck of the woods. Full Circle Britton’s Joe Gustafson noted on the eastern side of the county in the Veblen area there was some prevent plant for corn. 
    “The pendulum seemed to swing really quickly,” observed Voss. “In early spring, we were three inches under the average for normal rainfall and then by May, we were three inches over.” 
    Now, most producers have seen more than adequate rains, with even more forecasted. “I would say we are sitting at ‘enough’ to ‘too much rain’ in most areas, though it’s always hard to complain about rain,” noted Gustafson. 
    Despite many soakers, the experts note that the crops are fairing quite well. “The fields that have adequate drainage look good,” said Voss. “Though there is some waterlogging.” 
    Erickson said there is waterlogging in his region as well, but crops are progressing. “We have a wide variety of corn and beans. Some beans just emerged last week and some have some height already.”
    All parties agree that the crops, especially the corn, would benefit from some nice hot days. “We are struggling with the cooler soil temperatures,” emphasized Erickson. “In particular, the corn that was planted later could use some good heat,” added Gustafson. 
    He adds farmers also need favorable weather conditions for chemical applications. Erickson agrees that producers should be on the lookout for corn root worm. 
    One bright side according to Voss is the hay crop. “It looks great, as do pastures,” he said. “If you’re an animal production guy, you’re probably really pleased.”