Wide spread rain storms delayed field work last week as there were only 2.6 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. On Monday, 4 to 12 inches of rain fell in 24 hours across the southern half of the state causing major flooding in western and southwestern Wisconsin. Then on Tuesday, high winds and an outbreak of 16 confirmed tornadoes flattened crops, barns, trees and powerlines in central and east-central Wisconsin. More thunderstorms rolled through the state over the Labor Day weekend, raising already high rivers and streams even higher and causing flash flooding in some areas. All parts of the state received rain this week, further reviving crops and pastures in areas that had been dry throughout August. However, many fields were left too wet to support machinery. With more rain in the forecast, flood warnings remained in effect for many areas as the week ended.
Due to the rain the Wisconsin topsoil moisture supplies were rated 1 percent very short, 4 percent short, 58 percent adequate and 37 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were rated 2 percent very short, 7 percent short, 59 percent adequate and 32 percent surplus.
The report also found that eighty-six percent of the corn has reached the dough stage, 8 days ahead of last year and 7 days ahead of the 5-year average. Fifty-four percent of corn was dented, 10 days ahead of last year and 6 days ahead of the average. Eight percent was reported reaching maturity, 6 days ahead of average. Corn for silage was 7 percent harvested, 5 days ahead of average. Corn condition was 72 percent good to excellent.
Ninety-six percent of Wisconsin soybeans were setting pods, 2 days ahead of both last year and the average. Leaves were turning color on 26 percent of soybeans, 6 days ahead of last year and 4 days ahead of the average. Four percent of soybeans were dropping leaves. Soybean condition was 73
Oats harvested for grain was reported as 84 percent complete, even with last year but 4 days behind the average. Then the Potato harvest was reported as 23 percent complete, 13 days behind last year. Potato condition was 76 percent good to excellent.
Five percent of winter wheat was planted, 3 days ahead of last year and 6 days ahead of the average.
The third cutting of alfalfa was 90 percent complete, 4 days behind last year, but 2 days ahead of the average. The fourth cutting was 36 percent complete, 3 days behind last year, but 1 day ahead of the average. All hay condition was reported 72 percent in good to excellent condition.