News

A little progress in Wisconsin fields

Despite the cold, wet weather there was a little planting progress in Wisconsin last week.  The National Ag Statistics Service reports that as of Sunday: 46 percent of the Badger State oats crop is planted, 20 points ahead of a week ago and 10 points ahead of the five-year average.  Emergence is about half of what it should be at seven percent.

Corn planting was 5 percent completed by Sunday, a 4-point improvement over last week but 3 points behind the five year average.  Spring tillage is 31 percent completed compared to 18 percent a week ago and 26 percent for the five-year average.  40 percent of the state’s potatoes are planted.  With a forecast for sunshine and highs in the 60s and 70s, those numbers are expected to jump this week.

Topsoil moisture is listed as 20 percent short, 68 percent adequate and 10 percent surplus.

More counties are starting to see damage to alfalfa and winter wheat stands although the crops are slow to develop with the cold temperatures.  Frost heaving is becoming quite evident in clay soils.