Custer Weekly Chronicle

SOUTH DAKOTA NEWS.

South Dakota Crop Report.

Huron, April 25.-Forty-two counties send reports to the United States weather bureau in this city, which, summarized, give the following crop conditions in South Dakota for the week ending yesterday:

The rainfall during the week was below the average and occurred principally in light showers, fairly well distributed, but the deficiency was not a disadvantage—except in a few limited localities—as over most of the state the soil continued amply moist from the generally fair to copious rains of the 15th, and field work progressed uninterruptedly under very favorable weather conditions.

The temperature averaged above the normal during the week, and, taken in connection with plenty of sunshine and the moist condition of the soil, was very favorable in producing prompt germination of seed and the growth of crops already above ground.

Wheat seeding is about completed except in some localities in northern counties, and oats seeding far advanced. Barley seeding is in progress and some flax has been sown.

Preparation of ground for corn has been pushed and in some localities in southern counties a little of this crop has been planted.

Garden and potato planting appears to be general, and vegetables are starting nicely in the southern and southeastern counties.

Prairie grass has made rapid growth and affords good pasturage.

Plum trees are blossoming over the southern half of the state and shade trees are budding and leafing rapidly.

The early sown wheat and oats show well above the ground over most of the state and sprouted grain has made rapid growth. It is generally a good stand and color and much is sufficiently advanced to wave.

It is impossible to tell yet the full effect of the high wind of the preceding week on recently sown grain, but some correspondents report that there was little damage done.

The week closed with field operations progressing satisfactorily, growing crops doing well, ground generally in good condition, and the need of rain apparent only in a few localities. General rains would, however, be very beneficial.