News

Wisconsin farmers working fields day and night

 

Many Wisconsin farmers had an opportunity to get field work done last week after several cold and rainy weeks in a row.  The USDA’s National Ag Statistics Service says nearly five-and-a-half days were suitable for fieldwork.

Farmers planted oats, potatoes, corn, soybeans, and spring vegetables day and night much of last week as they tried to catch up.  Some producers have also started cutting first crop alfalfa hay, and many others say their hay will be ready very soon.

Topsoil is starting to dry out as 80% of the cropland now has adequate moisture and only 18% has surplus moisture.

Wisconsin’s spring tillage is now 71% complete.  Forty-eight percent of the corn, 15% of soybeans, 81% of oats, and 89% of potatoes are planted.  More than 40% of the oats have emerged.  Winter wheat improved last week, with 81% of the crop in good to excellent condition.