A widespread and long term shortage of rainfall resulted in a moisture deficiency which put significant stress on crops. The drought was classified as D2, or severe, in the U.S. Drought Monitor. According to a USDA Flash Situation Report, the yield loss in one county, Davison, was estimated to be at least 40 percent for almost 60 thousand acres of tasseling corn, which is a critical growth stage for corn. Similar percentage yield losses were expected for alfalfa, soybeans, wheat, and hay, with greater losses possible if drought persisted. Reports from other counties affected by drought also indicated significant yield losses. The exact amount of loss was not known, with any losses expected to increase if drought continued. The stress of the drought on crops was exacerbated by daytime temperatures rising several degrees above 100 degrees Farenheit.Other effects of the drought included evaporation of watering holes for cattle, and evaporation in watering tanks to the extent that the water became too salty for cattle. In a few places there had not been enough rainfall to completely dissolve fertilizer, making damaged wheat crops too toxic for use as cattle feed. The dry and hot weather also caused grasslands to become very dry, contributing to grass fires in places. .

Drought in DAVISON, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 18-JUL-06 00:00:00 to 31-JUL-06 23:59:00 (CST)
Reported by: OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY

Drought in HANSON, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 18-JUL-06 00:00:00 to 31-JUL-06 23:59:00 (CST)
Reported by: OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY

Drought in AURORA, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 18-JUL-06 00:00:00 to 31-JUL-06 23:59:00 (CST)
Reported by: OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY

Drought in BON HOMME, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 18-JUL-06 00:00:00 to 31-JUL-06 23:59:00 (CST)
Reported by: OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY

Drought in BEADLE, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 18-JUL-06 00:00:00 to 31-JUL-06 23:59:00 (CST)
Reported by: OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY

Drought in CHARLES MIX, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 18-JUL-06 00:00:00 to 31-JUL-06 23:59:00 (CST)
Reported by: OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY

Drought in BRULE, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 18-JUL-06 00:00:00 to 31-JUL-06 23:59:00 (CST)
Reported by: OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY

Drought in DOUGLAS, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 18-JUL-06 00:00:00 to 31-JUL-06 23:59:00 (CST)
Reported by: OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY

Drought in GREGORY, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 18-JUL-06 00:00:00 to 31-JUL-06 23:59:00 (CST)
Reported by: OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY

Drought in YANKTON, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 18-JUL-06 00:00:00 to 31-JUL-06 23:59:00 (CST)
Reported by: OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY

Drought in CLAY, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 18-JUL-06 00:00:00 to 31-JUL-06 23:59:00 (CST)
Reported by: OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY

Drought in MINER, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 18-JUL-06 00:00:00 to 31-JUL-06 23:59:00 (CST)
Reported by: OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY

Drought in SANBORN, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 18-JUL-06 00:00:00 to 31-JUL-06 23:59:00 (CST)
Reported by: OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY

Drought in HUTCHINSON, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 18-JUL-06 00:00:00 to 31-JUL-06 23:59:00 (CST)
Reported by: OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY

Drought in JERAULD, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 18-JUL-06 00:00:00 to 31-JUL-06 23:59:00 (CST)
Reported by: OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY

Drought in UNION, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 18-JUL-06 00:00:00 to 31-JUL-06 23:59:00 (CST)
Reported by: OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY

Drought in MCCOOK, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 18-JUL-06 00:00:00 to 31-JUL-06 23:59:00 (CST)
Reported by: OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY

Drought in TURNER, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 18-JUL-06 00:00:00 to 31-JUL-06 23:59:00 (CST)
Reported by: OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY