It doesn’t look like Wisconsin farmers are concerned about excessively dry weather – yet. The latest update from the Wisconsin Ag Statistical Service says as of Sunday, farmers were still happy to capitalize on the hot, dry weather by amping up their planting progress.
Topsoil moisture supplies were rated 1 percent very short, 16 percent short, 76 percent adequate and 7 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were rated 0 percent very short, 10 percent short, 83 percent adequate and 7 percent surplus.
As of May 27, spring tillage was 89 percent complete statewide, 1 day ahead of last year and 2 days ahead of the 5-year average.
Corn planting was 81 percent complete, 3 days ahead of last year and even with the average. Corn emerged was at 48 percent, 1 day ahead of last year but 1 day behind the average. Corn condition was 90 percent goot to excellent.
Sixty-three percent of the state’s expected soybean acres have been planted, 5 days ahead of last year and 3 days ahead of the average. Twenty-five percent of the state’s soybeans have emerged, 5 days ahead of last year and 1 day ahead of the average.
Oats planted were reported as 89 percent complete, 4 days behind last year and 3 days behind the average. Oats emerged was at 63 percent, 5 days behind both last year and the average. Oat condition was 91 percent good to excellent.
Potato planting is reported as 81 percent complete, 14 days behind last year.
Winter wheat was just starting to head. Winter wheat condition was 81 percent good to excellent, the same as last week.
The first cutting of alfalfa was reported as 20 percent complete, even with both last year and the average. All hay condition was reported 81 percent in good to excellent condition, the same as last week.
Pasture condition was rated 77 percent in good to excellent condition, compared to 74 percent in good to excellent condition last week.