Farmers take advantage of good week; still behind average planting pace

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota farmers had a good week for fieldwork as they try to get their crops in.

The federal crop report says there were 5.5 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending Sunday.

Farmers are still well behind on their corn planting after a wet spring, though. Corn planted was 64 percent, compared with 100 percent last year and a five-year average of 99 percent. Only 34 percent of corn has emerged, well behind last year’s and the average pace. More than half the corn is rated in good or excellent condition.

Soybean planting also remains well behind, with only 43 percent compared with 95 percent last year and 93 percent average. Only 11 percent of soybeans have emerged.

Spring wheat planting is nearly complete, at 96 percent.