Wisconsin Ag Connection - State Corn Planting Already Half-Completed

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State Corn Planting Already Half-Completed
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 05/20/2008

Much like the race for the Triple Crown in horse racing, Wisconsin crop producers are going full-speed ahead themselves trying to catch up on their delayed planting progress. The state's agriculture department reports that corn planting moved at a rapid pace last week to 56 percent complete. There were still some wet areas in many fields that were making planting somewhat difficult. However, several reporters noted progress on early planted corn, with emergence at seven percent.

The weekly crop/weather report also indicated that 22 percent of the soybeans are now sewed, but emergence is reported as being slow. The planting of oats continued. Early planted oats were reported as up and greening, with one report of early oats at three inches high. Oats planted were at 83 percent complete, with 42 percent emerged.

With the favorable weather, spring tillage was progressing at full force with 66 percent complete. No-till planting was going much faster than it had in the last few weeks.

Meanwhile, alfalfa was really starting to grow in some areas, while other areas of the state reported slow growth due to cool soil temperatures and lack of sunshine and heat. Alfalfa and winter wheat were looking good for the most part, but there were reports of visible winter injury and some yellowing where the soils were too wet. Winter wheat conditions were 11 percent poor or very poor, 18 percent fair, 51 percent good, and 20 percent excellent. Hay fields were showing slow growth for this time of year, due to below average temperatures and excess moisture.

And potato planting was reported as nearing completion. Fruit tree buds were starting to open in several counties. Strawberries were also starting to blossom. Some peas were being planted, with a report of early peas beginning to bloom. One area reported first cuttings of forages and winter rye. Soils were still too cold for pumpkin planting.

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