Last week, Wisconsin farmers saw widespread rains that slowed fieldwork, but aided in replenishing soil moisture levels. According to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, despite the rain there were 4.7 days suitable for fieldwork in the week ending on October 8, 2017.
As the harvest season continues the Wisconsin corn silage harvest has been racing toward completion, with reports of 72 percent complete. This is 5 days behind the average. Reports also showed ninety-four percent of Wisconsin’s corn has reached the dented stage or beyond. This is 4 days behind the 5-year average. Then fifty-eight percent of corn was reported to be mature, 8 days behind the average. Corn harvested for grain was 5 percent complete, 12 days behind the average. The moisture content of corn harvested for grain was reported at 29 percent.
Soybean harvest is also upon us as last week found leaves turning color on 96 percent of the state’s soybean acreage. Eighty-six percent of the soybeans were also dropping leaves this is 7 days behind last year, and 1 day behind the average. The soybean harvest was reported at 32 percent complete, 4 days ahead of last year, but 1 day behind the average. The soybean condition as of last week was rated 72 percent good to excellent, 1 percentage point below last week.
It was also reported that sixty-four percent of Wisconsin’s winter wheat acres have been planted. This is a full 6 days ahead of last year. Winter wheat that have emerged was reported at 37 percent complete, 5 days ahead of last year. This boost was due to the needed rain Wisconsin experienced.
Lastly, Wisconsin Potato harvest is also starting to come to a close as it reached 89 percent complete.
