Dry and sunny weather this week gave some farmers a chance to plug away at the harvest. Poor field conditions and high grain moistures continued to
hamper progress, however.
Northern Wisconsin remained buried in deep snow cover after last weekend’s winter storm. Ground conditions under the snow varied from well frozen to soft mud, allowing fieldwork to progress in some areas and
completely preventing work in others. Reporters noted that the
remaining snow covered soybeans were unlikely to be harvested.
Bare ground in southern and central Wisconsin allowed more access to standing crops, but had a similar range of firm to muddy conditions with standing water reported in some areas. Grain moistures didn’t budge from the previous week and reporters noted that some farmers were still delaying harvest activities in hopes the grain will dry down further.
One reporter in Green County pointed out the challenges farmers are facing regardless of crop. “Harvest of corn progressed this week, but there is still a considerable percentage of corn standing in the fields. Soil moisture is high making harvest a challenge in the mud. A few acres of soybeans were harvested, but the bean moisture is high. Large fields of soybeans are still standing waiting for better weather. Livestock producers finally had some weather to bale corn stalks, but the bales are steaming due to wetness.”
Harvest of corn for grain was 74 percent complete, 24 days
behind last year and 23 days behind the 5-year average. The
moisture content of corn harvested for grain was reported at 23
percent.
Soybean harvest was 88 percent complete, 23 days behind last
year.
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