News

It’s wet in Wisconsin fields

Wisconsin farmers were able to sneak some hay in between the showers last week.  The weekly Crop Progress Report shows 76 percent of the state’s first crop alfalfa is in, up 15 points from a week ago and five days ahead of the five-year average.  The west central, south central and west central districts are 80 to 89 percent complete while the Central district has just 64 percent of first crop made.  The hay is rated 79 percent good to excellent condition down 1 percent from a week ago.

Several counties reported 3-to-3.5 inches of rainfall last week.  Topsoil moisture jumped from 13 percent surplus a week ago to 21 percent surplus this week.  The three central districts and the southeast are 31 to 35 percent surplus.

As of Sunday: the Wisconsin corn crop is 97 percent emerged, 12 days ahead of the five-year average.  The crop is rated 84 percent good to excellent condition.

Soybeans are 9 days ahead of normal with 89 percent emerged.  The beans are 86 percent good to excellent condition.

Oats are 28 percent headed and 85 percent good to excellent condition.  Winter wheat is 77 percent head with 76 percent in good to excellent condition.