News

Wisconsin field work held back by mid-week rain

Despite an ideal weekend, mid-week wetness kept soils unfit for field work in most of Wisconsin.  USDA statistician Greg Busler says there was scattered corn planting in eastern and southern Wisconsin, with some tillage in lighter soils.  There was also some limited alfalfa and oats planting, manure hauling, and fertilizer application.

Potato planting is already 11% complete, and about 1% ahead of the five-year average.  The oat planting is 10% finished, also about a day ahead of the five-year average.

Winter wheat condition is 13% excellent, 65% good, 19% fair, and 2% poor.  Wisconsin pastures and ranges are just 6% excellent, 26% good, 44% fair, and 16% poor.

Topsoil moisture levels have benefited from recent rain and snow events.  Topsoil moisture is rated 11% surplus, 65% adequate, and 15% short, while in many areas, subsoil could use more moisture.  Statewide, subsoil moisture is 8% surplus, 60% adequate, and 22% short.