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USDA says Wisconsin fieldwork catching up, more planters rolling

More fieldwork is beginning in Wisconsin after a week of cool daytime temperatures, freezing overnights, and lingering snow from Easter weekend.  USDA reporters say southern Wisconsin was snow-free and farmers took advantage by rolling planters wherever possible to put oats, alfalfa, potatoes, corn, and soybeans in the ground.  Manure and fertilizer applications are still going strong in an attempt to catch up on work that would normally be done in the fall.

As of Sunday, spring tillage was 14% finished.  Corn planting is 1% done, oats 21% finished, and potatoes 7% planted.  Around half of the winter wheat and pastures are in good to excellent condition.

Topsoil moisture is 75% adequate and 24% surplus.  Subsoil moisture is 72% adequate and 28% surplus.