South Dakota farmers finally gain some ground

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) – South Dakota farmers have gained some ground on planting corn and soybeans, thanks to a better week for fieldwork.

The federal crop report for the week ending Sunday says corn planting was 44 percent, well behind the 96 percent both last year and for the five-year average.

Soybean planning also remains behind, with only 14 percent planted compared with 83 percent last year and an average of 82 percent.

Wet weather has kept South Dakota farmers out of their fields this planting season. But last week was better, with 3.4 days suitable for fieldwork.

AP-WF-06-03-19 2327GMT