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Spreaders, plows, and planters mostly idle in Wisconsin

Very little field work is getting done in Wisconsin because of wet soils and cool conditions.

James Giese of Alma Center is one of many farmers waiting to get in the fields. “It’s still too wet. We have a little bit of snow on the ground yet.”

Don Lutz from the Waupaca area says some potatoes were planted near his farm before the last snowfall.  He tells Brownfield he expects a rush when fields are finally ready. “A lot of manure pits got partially cleaned, but maybe didn’t get all of the way emptied so there’s going to be a real battle for custom applicators this spring.”

Randy Hughes is near Janesville and the Illinois line, where more farmers are ready to go. “We’re spreading fertilizer. The ground is dry enough in our area to work. Soil temperatures are still below 50. We could probably still plant peas, and that will happen this week, and then as soon as we get a temperature of 50 or better, we’ll start with the white corn.”

Hughes and Lutz say there’s still time to get the crops in.  Giese is expecting a late plant this year.