News

Abundant optimism for west central Wisconsin crops

A west central Wisconsin farmer says nearly ideal growing conditions have farmers in his area optimistic for the coming harvest.

Darin Von Ruden, whose family operates an organic dairy farm in Vernon County, tells Brownfield, “Right now we’re in one of those belts where we’ve had an exceptional year for moisture and with the heat, the corn and soybeans in this area are probably going to be above average on yields this year.”

He says the weather has also cooperated with making hay this year.

“We’re doing really good.”  He says, “We’re about halfway done with third crop right now, and I would say it’s a little bit above average for yields.”

As of Sunday, the USDA says 65% of Wisconsin corn is in good to excellent condition, which is down two percent from last week.  Seventy percent is in the dough stage, 19% is dented, and 1% is mature.  Sixty-three percent of soybeans are in good condition, which is down 3% on the week, with 91% setting pods and 1% dropping leaves.  Eighty-three percent of oats are harvested.

AUDIO: Darin Von Ruden – President of Wisconsin Farmers Union