SD Farmers Make Planting Progress

     SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - The planting of South Dakota crops is
inching closer to the long-term average after drier weather over
the past week.
     The Agriculture Department says in its latest crop and weather
report that sorghum is now 75 percent planted and soybeans 83
percent, while the seeding of corn has virtually wrapped up.
Sunflower seeding is about half done, on pace with the average.
     The report says weed control is becoming an issue and farmers
are beginning to spray. Ranchers are busy moving cattle to pasture
and haying. Range and pasture in South Dakota is rated 82 percent
good to excellent.