SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - Recent rainfall has eased dry conditions in southeastern South Dakota, though about one-tenth of the state remains in moderate drought.
The latest U.S. Drought Monitor map released Thursday shows about 10 percent of South Dakota in moderate drought, which is unchanged from last week, but only about 17 percent in abnormally dry condition, down from about 25 percent a week ago. All of the dry area is in the southeastern quadrant of the state.
Measurable rain was recorded in most areas of South Dakota over the past week, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service. Topsoil moisture supplies statewide are rated 90 percent adequate to surplus, up from 79 percent a week ago. Subsoil moisture supplies are rated 88 percent adequate to surplus, up from 80 percent last week.
High Plains Regional Climate Center data show that much of the abnormally dry and moderate drought area in South Dakota has received a couple inches of rain over the past month, with even more falling in some spots.
Kurt Stiefvater, whose corn crop near Salem west of Sioux Falls suffered from drought in 2012, told The Daily Republic newspaper that gentle rains over the past week on his farm have boosted this year’s crop, which he finished seeding about two weeks ago.
“It’s helped a lot,” he said. “It came nice and slow. We let it all soak in, and we didn’t have runoff or anything like that.”
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