Wisconsin farmers had ample time over the past week to harvest small grains and harvest the fourth cutting of alfalfa. Five of the seven days last week were suitable for fieldwork, according to the latest crop progress report from USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.
Topsoil moisture condition rated 4 percent very short, 16 percent short, 73 percent adequate and 7 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 6 percent very short, 19 percent short, 72 percent adequate and 3 percent surplus.
Meanwhile, commodities are on the ropes. Market advisor John Heinberg of Total Farm Marketing in West Bend says it’s more than just the recent rain that is causing fluctuations — economic developments in China surprised the markets on Monday in Chicago. In addition, he’s watching more beef cattle go to market, and fluid milk markets respond to schools reopening.
Corn condition was 78 percent good to excellent statewide, up 2 percentage points from last week. Corn silking was 88 percent, 11 days behind last year and three days behind the five-year average. Forty-four percent of corn had reached the dough stage, five days behind last year but even with the average. Four percent of corn had reached the dent state.
Soybean condition was 77 percent good to excellent, up 3 percentage points from last week. Soybeans blooming was 93 percent, a week behind last year but three days ahead of the average. Soybeans setting pods was 72 percent, six days behind last year and two days behind the average.
Oat condition was 81 percent good to excellent, up 3 percentage points from last week. Oats coloring was at 97 percent, two days behind last year but two days ahead of the average. Oat harvested for grain was 44 percent, three days behind last year and four days behind the average.
Potato condition was 91 percent good to excellent, down a percentage point from last week. Potatoes harvested was at 12 percent, eight days behind last year and six days behind the average.
Winter wheat harvested for grain was 86 percent, eight days behind last year and two days behind the average.
All hay condition was reported 78 percent good to excellent condition, even with last week. The third cutting of alfalfa was reported at 76 percent complete, three days ahead of last year and six days ahead of the average. The fourth cutting was 7 percent complete, three days ahead of both last year and the average.
Pasture condition was rated 71 percent good to excellent, up 3 percentage points from last week.
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