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Most Wisconsin fields remain too soggy to plant

Wisconsin farmers are still struggling to get crops in the ground.  USDA reporters say less than three days were suitable for fieldwork, but many parts of the state have not dried enough to get machinery into the fields.  Forty-nine percent of the state has excess soil moisture.  Several reporters told USDA that prevented plantings are expected with fields likely to remain soggy past Friday’s planting deadline.  The northernmost ten counties have already passed the crop insurance planting deadline. 

The state’s pastures and fruit trees have been slow to develop, and there are more reports of struggling hay stands after significant winterkill.  Some USDA reporters say they’re concerned there won’t be enough hay to make it through next winter.

Corn planting is 46% complete and two weeks behind average. Eleven percent of corn has emerged. Just one percent of soybeans are planted statewide.  Farmers have planted 73% of the state’s oats and 88% of the potatoes.  Just over 30% of the state’s cropland hasn’t been tilled yet.