What Are South Dakota Farmers Planting This Year?

South Dakota's corn and soybean crops are expected to follow the national trend this year.

The federal Agriculture Department says South Dakota corn acres are expected to drop ten percent from last year, but soybean acres should match last year's record.

That scenario is expected to play out nationwide, as the profit potential for corn remains low due to slumping prices. More farmers are favoring soybeans because they cost less to grow and market prices haven't fallen as quickly as for corn.

• Drought Conditions Persist in Much of Eastern South Dakota

South Dakota farmers this year are expected to plant more acres of durum wheat, barley, hay and flaxseed.

Acres of sunflowers, sorghum and dry edible beans are expected to be down from last year. Acres of spring wheat and oats in the state are projected to be unchanged.