News

Frequent moisture makes wide maturity range in Wisconsin crops

The USDA says Wisconsin farmers are seeing a wide range of crop maturity because of frequent rains and late plantings.  The National Ag Statistics Service reporters say early-planted corn is beginning to silk in some areas, but the rest of the crops are showing signs of all of that moisture.  Late-planted corn and most soybeans are lagging behind in maturity.

Heavy storms and flooding in southeastern Wisconsin last week also damaged crops.

Soybeans are blooming about 9 days behind last year, but only a day behind the average.  Corn condition is 66% good to excellent.  Ninety-three percent of the oats have now headed a week later than last year.

The frequent storms have also impacted hay harvest.  Seventy-two percent of 2^nd crop alfalfa is harvested, and 5% of the third crop is in.

The potato harvest has started, and 2% of the crop is in.