South Dakota corn producers will grow second largest crop

South Dakota corn producers will grow second largest corn crop in history and crop is maturing fast.

South Dakota corn fields are nearly ready for harvest and producers are preparing to bring in the second largest crop in South Dakota’s history. The state’s corn crop took a 2 percent fall from last month’s USDA projections. Today’s U.S. Department of Agriculture Crop Report forecasted 630.8 million bushels which is down from last year’s level by 11 percent. However it is still the second largest crop in South Dakota’s history.

The smaller crop trend continues nationwide collectively as projected yields are on the decline. In the USDA projections, farmers are expected to produce 162.5 bushels per acre, down 2.2 from last year’s average yield and 2.5 bushels per acre lower than the last report a month ago. USDA still expects total corn production to reach a record 13.2 billion bushels, up from the previous record of 13.1 billion bushels last year.

Even though the projected corn crop is down, maturity levels are well ahead of normal compared to previous years due to hot summer temperatures, ample moisture levels and early planting. According to the USDA Ag Statistics Service, 97 percent of the corn in the state is in or beyond the dough stage, compared to 83 percent last year and 93 percent for the five-year average. 79 percent of corn is in the dent stage, compared to 38 percent last year and 65 percent for the five year average. Corn in the mature stage is at 9 percent, ahead of last year’s 2 percent, and the five-year average of 7 percent.

“Our state’s producers worked hard to get their crop in early and it paid off. Our crop is ahead of past years, and hopefully Mother Nature brings us good harvest conditions,” said Gary Duffy, president of the South Dakota Corn Growers Association. “Corn producers are preparing to bring in the largest crop in our Nation’s history. We are proud to provide our livestock, ethanol, and export partners the supply they need to feed and fuel our economy.”

The USDA reports domestic use to be lowered by 100 million bushels with lower feed and residual use. Projected exports are up by 50 million bushels with rising world demand.