Mild winter might pose threat for farmers, ranchers [Video]

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KEVN) – Despite having a mild winter this season, the National Weather Service in Rapid City reports favorable moisture levels in the soil.

However, they also say that as Spring nears, the ground already thawed might pose challenges to agriculture in the area.

Stock Ponds are small reservoirs or ponds that collect and store rainwater, providing water for livestock to drink and help in soil conservation. While dugouts are man-made pits or excavations designed to collect and store water. Both of which are crucial for farmers and ranchers.

Without the needed precipitation in the spring, stock ponds and dugouts are in danger of falling between normal levels which makes agriculture more difficult in Rapid City says, Mellissa Smith, Service Hydrologist, with the National Weather Service.

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