News

Some hay cutting, some planting where it is dry enough in Wisconsin

More Wisconsin farmers had more opportunities to get into their fields last week between rains.  USDA reporters say there were just over three days suitable for fieldwork after widespread rains fell Monday.  A USDA reporter in southwest Wisconsin said there were more tractors on the road than cars last week, as farmers rushed to catch up on field work.  Other areas were not as fortunate as farmers in Walworth, Green, and Trempealeau were still too wet.

Farmers say hay and forage supplies are tight, and many are taking first-crop alfalfa even though it’s shorter than normal.  USDA says livestock producers are seeding more annual forage crops than originally planned.

Eight percent of the state’s first-crop hay is cut compared to 40% at this time last year.  More hay is cut in the west-central and south-central parts of Wisconsin than the other areas of the state.

Spring tillage is 76% done.  Fifty-eight percent of Wisconsin’s corn is planted, and 28% has emerged.  Thirty-four percent of the state’s soybeans are planted and 9% have emerged.    Oats are 79% planted and 94% of potatoes are planted.

Fifty-five percent of Wisconsin pastures are either good or excellent, up three points from last week. Soil moisture statewide is 55% adequate and 45% surplus.