South Dakota's delayed grain harvest causes concerns

South Dakota's soy and corn harvest are significantly delayed, which is posing challenges for the state's crop and producers, according to analysts.

The state's soy harvest is 40-50 percent behind schedule, and corn harvest is about 30-40 percent behind, both compared to the average harvest dates of the last five years, said Alan May, South Dakota Cooperative Extension grain marketing specialist.

This delay creates concerns about producers' ability to complete their harvest, and worries about grain quality, moisture content, added drying costs and storage problems.

Losses due to adverse weather during the growing season are usually expected as a result of hail, drought and early frosts, said May. But this year, the harvesting is delayed by excessive moisture, and only producers with crop insurance may find some light in this situation, he added.