South Dakota’s corn and soybean crop conditions are worsening as this year’s drought intensifies.
That’s according to crop progress reports compiled by the United States Department of Agriculture.
The bulk of the state’s corn and soybeans are in fair to poor condition.
Scott VanderWal is president of the South Dakota Farm Bureau. He says he’s never seen conditions this dry this early.
“We’re seeing corn curling up and it’s only waste high or a little more,” VanderWal says. “Obviously it hasn’t pollinated. When corn is at that stage it’s already set the number of rows of kernels that will be on the cob, for the most part. It was under pretty good stress when that happened, so that may not be good.”
That could have a negative effect on yields, even if the state receives rain. Regardless, VanderWal says the state is in desperate need of moisture.
Of the 18 states that produce the bulk of the country’s corn, South Dakota is faring the worst. The state’s soybeans are performing slightly better than North Dakota, which is worst in the nation.
South Dakota had a drier-than-normal spring. Ninety percent of the state is in some form of drought.