PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- The South Dakota Wheat Commission reports that about 13 percent of the state’s winter wheat has been planted just behind the 18 percent average. Commission Executive Director Reid Christopherson says mid-September is the normal time for planting to get underway.

He’s hoping more winter wheat will be planted than in past years although the cropping patterns have changed.

Christopherson says they’re closely monitoring for any disease signs such as for wheat streak mosaic.

Christopherson says with daylight hours starting to shrink and winter wheat planting and row crop harvest in full swing, it’s critical to keep an eye on all the farm equipment that’s out on the roads and in the fields.