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Last week’s rain helped Wisconsin crops

Wisconsin weather last week was good for harvesting second-crop hay, but most of the state’s soils still need more moisture.

USDA reporters say the second cutting of alfalfa is not 51% finished, about 5 days ahead of average.  All hay is reported as 70% good to excellent and pastures 65% good to excellent, both improved from a week ago.

Corn is rated 75% good to excellent.  Soybeans are 71% good to excellent with nearly a third of them blooming.  More than 90% of the oats are headed.  Ninety-five percent of potatoes are also good to excellent.  Last week’s rains improved crop conditions from 1-7 points over a week ago.

Topsoil statewide is still 66% adequate and 23% short, with subsoil conditions reported as 63% adequate and 27% short.