News

Wisconsin crops catching up after wet start

A few scattered mid-week showers kept some Wisconsin farmers out of the fields, but USDA reporters say it was a good week for crops.  National Ag Statistics Service reporters say late-planted fields need more heat to catch up, but most crops are maturing well.  More than five days were suitable for fieldwork, and the hay and small grain harvest continued with some lodging problems reported.

Ninety-one percent of the state’s corn is at the silking stage or beyond, and 34% is in the dough stage.  Some corn is starting to dent.

Ninety-two percent of the soybeans are blooming with 77% setting pods.

The oat harvest is 43% complete.  Winter wheat is 91% finished.  Nineteen percent of Wisconsin’s potatoes are harvested.  Seven percent of hay producers are working on a fourth crop.

There are reports of post-flood cleanup still underway in parts of Wisconsin.  Statewide, topsoil moisture is 83% adequate and 10% surplus.