Exceptional drought levels in South Dakota are impacting more than just soil conditions.
Laura Edwards is the state climatologist. She says high temperatures and low rainfall are causing several problems on farms and ranches.
“On the plant side we're seeing some corn starting to roll their leaves, hay being cut early because it's drying out so fast, some more insects in alfalfa. In water supply for livestock on the agriculture side.”
Edwards says the current heat wave is pushing conditions into unprecedented territory.
“And we’re starting to break records that have been holding on since the Dust Bowl in the 1930s.”
The north-central and southeastern portions of the state are experiencing the worst of the drought.