Showers, warm temps advance SD crop development

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) -- Scattered rain showers and warmer temperatures are helping to advance crop development in South Dakota

The U.S. Department of Agriculture says in its weekly crop report that farmers and ranchers had on average 5.1 days suitable for fieldwork.

Winter wheat is jointed at 88 percent and headed at 63 percent. That's slightly behind the average pace of 90 percent. Winter wheat conditions are rated 35 percent very poor, 16 percent poor, 29 percent fair, 19 percent good and 1 percent excellent.

Soybean planting is 98 percent complete, and corn is rated 2 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 28 percent fair, 52 percent good, and 14 percent excellent.

Pasture and range conditions rated 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 21 percent fair, 60 percent good and 14 percent excellent.