Spring planting nearing halfway point

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Planting of spring wheat in South Dakota is nearing the halfway point, and planting of corn is getting underway.

The Agriculture Department says in its weekly crop report that 46% of the spring wheat crop is seeded, along with 37% of oats. Corn planting is 4% done. Seeding of all three crops remains well behind the average pace.

Topsoil moisture supplies statewide remain rated 100% adequate to surplus, and subsoil moisture is still 99% in those categories.

The state’s winter wheat crop is rated 1% very poor, 5% poor, 26% fair, 59% good and 9% excellent.

Pasture and range conditions are rated mostly fair to good.