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Report says drought in South Dakota has stabilized

Published: August 7, 2012 Comment on this article

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Drought in South Dakota has damaged the corn crop but recent rainfall might have helped soybeans in some areas.

The Agriculture Department in its latest crop and weather report says the precipitation and slightly cooler temperatures over the past week kept drought from worsening. The State Climate Office says the dry conditions have stabilized, though there hasn't been enough rainfall to make major improvements.

Topsoil moisture statewide is 85 percent short or very short. About two-third of the state's range and pasture land is rated in poor or very poor condition.

The report says the harvest of spring wheat and oats in South Dakota is wrapping up, and the barley harvest is 86 percent done.