2024 Wisconsin crop season recap

By Blake Jackson

The 2024 Wisconsin growing season began with warmer-than-average temperatures and above-normal precipitation. As of March 31, topsoil moisture was rated at 11% surplus, compared to 45% on April 2, 2023. Snow and rain in early April increased soil moisture levels.

By April 21, spring tillage was 22% complete, nine days ahead of 2023 and three days ahead of the five-year average. June brought adequate or surplus moisture to both topsoil and subsoil, despite localized flooding that impacted planting. Statewide progress, however, remained mostly at or above average.

Summer featured near-normal temperatures and above-average rainfall, supporting crop development that stayed ahead of the seasonal average. By August 18, the winter wheat harvest was 97% complete, a week ahead of the five-year average.

The oat harvest reached 98% completion by September 8, and soybean harvest was nearly complete at 96% by October 27—about four weeks ahead of the previous year and the average. By November 24, 97% of the corn harvest was finished, outpacing last year’s 83% and the five-year average of 82%.

Average temperatures from June through September were 66.5°F, the same as in 2023 but above the 65.3°F norm. April and May averaged 2.3°F above normal, while June was 0.5°F above normal. July dipped slightly to 0.4°F below normal, but August and September were 0.6°F and 4.3°F above normal, respectively.

A dry start to fall followed the wet spring and summer. Total precipitation from April to September was 26.28 inches, higher than last year’s 17.36 inches and the normal 23.36 inches. June was the wettest month with 7.22 inches, while September was the driest with 1.35 inches, 2.24 inches below average.

Corn planting began slightly ahead of the five-year average, with 10% planted by April 28. By November 24, 97% of corn for grain was harvested. Soybean planting was 11% complete by April 28 and finished 96% by October 27, ahead of the average.

Oat planting and harvest remained consistently ahead of the norm, with 98% harvested by September 8. Winter wheat planting and development also progressed rapidly, with 94% of the crop emerged by November 19.

Pasture conditions peaked in early June but declined by October due to dry, warm weather, ending at 23% rated good to excellent.

Photo Credit: usda