The drought’s footprint continues to expand across South Dakota, as periodic heat waves impacted conditions over the last month. According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor, nearly 18% of the state is in Extreme Drought (D3), while another 70% follows as Severe Drought (D2).
“On Aug. 1, the U.S. Department of Agriculture rated topsoil moisture 84% short to very short in South Dakota. Rangeland and…