News

Cool and wet conditions hamper Wisconsin fieldwork

Temperatures were slightly below normal across Wisconsin last week, which kept some farmers out of the fields.  USDA’s weekly crop report says small grains, potato, and alfalfa planting continued, and manure applications where it was dry enough to get into the fields.  Reporters say the wet and cold soil conditions were slow to improve, particularly in heavy clay soils.’

Twenty-nine percent of the state’s oats are planted, which is about 10 days ahead of average.  Eight percent of the oats have emerged.  Fifteen percent of the potato crop is in the ground.

Winter wheat is 84% good to excellent, and pasture conditions improved to 62% rated good to excellent.

Spring tillage is 30% finished. Topsoil moisture is 70% adequate and 14% surplus as of Sunday, with similar subsoil moisture readings.