Cold weather affects farmers in eastern SD

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) -- Continued below normal temperatures limited the ability for fieldwork in eastern portions of South Dakota.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture says in its weekly crop report that farmers and ranchers had 3.1 days suitable for fieldwork. Activities included caring for livestock and preparing for spring planting.

Winter wheat conditions were rated 47 percent very poor, 28 percent poor, 22 percent fair, 3 percent good and 0 percent excellent.

Calving was 50 percent, while lambing was 73 percent complete. Three percent of cattle have been reported as moved to pasture.

Cattle and calf conditions were rated 1 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 25 percent fair, 65 percent good and 6 percent excellent.