Snow and freezing rain affect SD ranchers, farmers
US Department of Agriculture says snow, freezing rain delayed field work in South Dakota
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) -- Snow and freezing rain have brought badly needed moisture to parts of South Dakota, but last week's storm delayed field work and made calving conditions difficult.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture says in its weekly crop report that there was hardly any time suitable for fieldwork in the past week. Activities included caring for livestock and preparing for spring planting.
Winter wheat conditions were rated 30 percent very poor, 43 percent poor, 22 percent fair, 5 percent good and 0 percent excellent.
Calving was 60 percent complete and lambing was 78 percent complete.
Cattle and calf conditions were rated as 2 percent very poor, 7 percent poor, 27 percent fair, 57 percent good, and 7 percent excellent.
