Drought Drives Drop In SD Wheat And Oat Forecast

(Pierre, SD) — This summer’s drought is driving a big drop in the wheat and oat forecast for South Dakota. The federal government projects big declines in the state’s production due in part to the dry conditions but also because of a decades-long transition to corn and soybeans. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is forecasting that South Dakota farmers this year will produce 17-percent less winter wheat, 29-percent less spring wheat and 23-percent less oats. Experts say more money is being made through corn and soybeans because of versatile use and global demand.