With an extremely dry May across the region, drought conditions expanded across central and north central South Dakota throughout the month from abnormally dry to moderately dry by the end of the month. As the lack of rain continued, the drought then became severe in the first week of June across much of north central South Dakota expanding south into parts of central South Dakota by the third week of June. Intensification to extreme for parts of north central South Dakota also occurred by the third week of June and continued through the end of the month. Precipitation since the start of the year was from 3.5 to 4.5 inches below normal. The drought expanded and intensified even more across the region throughout July.
Many locations had their top ten warmest first half of June which only exacerbated the stress on the crops and pastures. Topsoil and subsoil moisture slowly declined throughout the month. There were some rains during the month but were too late for substantial recovery in pastures and hay land. To make matters worse, areas of rare frost developed across parts of north central South Dakota on June 25th and 26th, particularly in low-lying areas. Already severely stressed crops, were damaged even more.
Many areas of winter wheat were cut for hay instead of grain with many acres declared a complete loss. Most of the crops were being rated at poor or very poor. Stream flow conditions were also below normal across most of the region. Stock water supplies were also becoming very low.  Cattle were being sold due to the poor grazing conditions along with feed shortages.  Some cattle also died to contaminated water supplies.
Most of the counties across central and north central South Dakota had enacted burn bans due to the very high to extreme fire danger. Many counties issued drought declarations with the Governor declaring a statewide drought emergency. The South Dakota Drought Task force was also activated.  CRP lands were opened up for grazing and haying to many farmers and ranchers.

Drought in CORSON, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 06-JUN-17 06:00:00 to 30-JUN-17 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Drought in DEWEY, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 06-JUN-17 06:00:00 to 30-JUN-17 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Drought in STANLEY, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 06-JUN-17 06:00:00 to 30-JUN-17 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Drought in CAMPBELL, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 06-JUN-17 06:00:00 to 30-JUN-17 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Drought in WALWORTH, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 06-JUN-17 06:00:00 to 30-JUN-17 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Drought in POTTER, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 06-JUN-17 06:00:00 to 30-JUN-17 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Drought in SULLY, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 06-JUN-17 06:00:00 to 30-JUN-17 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Drought in HUGHES, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 06-JUN-17 06:00:00 to 30-JUN-17 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Drought in MCPHERSON, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 06-JUN-17 06:00:00 to 30-JUN-17 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Drought in EDMUNDS, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 06-JUN-17 06:00:00 to 30-JUN-17 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Drought in FAULK, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 06-JUN-17 06:00:00 to 30-JUN-17 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Drought in HYDE, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 06-JUN-17 06:00:00 to 30-JUN-17 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Drought in HAND, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 06-JUN-17 06:00:00 to 30-JUN-17 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Drought in BUFFALO, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 06-JUN-17 06:00:00 to 30-JUN-17 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Drought in LYMAN, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 06-JUN-17 06:00:00 to 30-JUN-17 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Drought in BROWN, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 06-JUN-17 06:00:00 to 30-JUN-17 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Drought Monitor