Last week, farmers struggled through heat and rain as there were 5.3 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Clear, sunny conditions started off this week, allowing farmers to make good progress with haying and spraying. Hot and humid weather moved into the state by the weekend, with temperatures climbing into the 90s. Later in the week there were scattered thunderstorms across the southern third of the state and a few reports of crop damage from high winds. Some reporters in the South Central and Southeastern districts noted standing water was causing corn to yellow in low spots.
Taking a look at the USDA Crop Progress Report, it found that the Wisconsin topsoil moisture supplies were rated 0 percent very short, 7 percent short, 84 percent adequate and 9 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were rated 0 percent very short, 5 percent short, 86 percent adequate and 9 percent surplus.
Then last week the corn condition was 84 percent good to excellent, 3 percentage points below last week. There were a few reports of corn in the silking stage.
Ninety-seven percent of the state’s soybeans have emerged as of July 1st. This is the same as last year and 2 days ahead of the 5-year average. Thirteen percent of soybeans have bloomed, 3 days ahead of last year and 4 days ahead of the average. Soybean condition was 83 percent good to excellent.
Oats headed was reported at 68 percent, 1 day ahead of last year and even with the average. Oats turning color was reported at 16 percent, 1 day ahead of last year. Oat condition was 88 percent good to excellent.
Then the Wisconsin winter wheat crop was reported at 93 percent headed, 6 days behind last year. The coloring was at 50 percent, 3 days behind last year.
In the beginning of last week gave farmers a good opportunity to make hay. The report found that 96 percent of the first cutting of alfalfa was complete; this is 4 days behind last year and 4 days ahead of the average. The second cutting is also under way with 35 percent complete, 2 days ahead of last year and 4 days ahead of the average. All hay condition was reported at 84 percent good to excellent.
Farmers continue to work this week in the fields before more rain falls.
