Producers in western South Dakota been dealing with drought conditions this season and they’re still waiting to harvest their first cutting of alfalfa. SDSU Extension Forage Field Specialist Karla Hernandez says the first cutting is usually taken in May, but it may be late July before that happens this year.
She says besides alfalfa, winter forages and other pasture grasses are suffering from the lack of rain.
Hernandez says the above normal June temperatures just compounded the stress on grass and forage crops.
Hernandez says Northeast South Dakota has also been very dry this year. However, farmers there have harvested two cuttings of alfalfa and are hoping to get enough moisture for two more cuttings.
