The lack of consistent warm, dry weather is taking it’s toll on the states corn and soybean crops.
The latest update from the Wisconsin Ag Statistical Service shows that the confidence farmers have in their fields is slipping too. Too much rain, and cooler than expected temperatures in some areas are slowing pollination on corn, and flowering on the soybeans.
Corn silking is reported at 5 percent, 6 days behind last year. Corn condition was 66 percent good to excellent, 3 percentage points below last week. This is the slowest developing corn crop the state’s seen since about 2013.
Thirty-six percent of the state’s soybeans were blooming, 9 days behind last year, and 1 day behind the average. Soybean condition was 71 percent good to excellent, 3 percentage point below last week.
According to this weeks ratings though, most of the western parts of Wisconsin would welcome a little rain in some areas. That dry weather, however, might allow the beginning of the oat and wheat harvest.
Oats headed was reported at 93 percent, 7 days behind last year, and 2 behind the average. Oats turning color were at 49 percent, 6 days behind last year. Harvesting of oats for grain has just begun. Oats condition was 78 percent good to excellent, same as last week.
Potato harvesting reported at 2 percent complete, Potato condition was rated 78 good to excellent, 1 percentage point below last week.
Pasture condition was 79 percent good to excellent, unchanged from last week.
Winter wheat coloring was reported at 93 percent, 6 days behind last year. Winter wheat harvesting for grain is just getting underway. Winter wheat was rated at 76 percent in good to excellent condition statewide, 2 percentage points below last week.
The second cutting of alfalfa was reported at 72 percent complete, 6 days behind last year, but 2 days ahead of the average. Third cutting reported at 5 percent complete, 6 days behind last year, and 1 day behind the average. All hay condition was reported 77 percent good to excellent, 1 percentage points below last week.