By Blake Jackson
According to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Wisconsin experienced 5.7 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending August 3.
Hazy conditions and wildfire smoke were noted across the state. Farmers made progress with small grain harvests and hay cutting where conditions permitted.
Topsoil moisture levels were reported at 1% very short, 10% short, 80% adequate, and 9% surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated similarly with 1% very short, 10% short, 83% adequate, and 6% surplus.
Corn development continued at a steady pace, with 78% of the crop in the silking stage five days ahead of this time last year and one day ahead of the five-year average.
Additionally, 19% of corn had reached the dough stage. Overall, corn condition remained strong, with 81% rated good to excellent, though this was slightly lower than the previous week.
Soybeans were 83% blooming, and 55% were setting pods both progress points were ahead of last year and the historical average. However, the condition of the soybean crop dipped slightly, with 81% rated good to excellent, down three percentage points from the previous week.
Winter wheat harvest reached 67% completion, trailing last year by six days and the average by two days. Crop condition for winter wheat was rated 74% good to excellent, down two points from last week.
Oat fields were 92% coloring, and 37% had been harvested. While harvesting lagged two days behind last year, it was still two days ahead of the average. Oats were rated 84% good to excellent, slightly lower than the previous week.
Potato harvest stood at 11%, with an impressive 96% of the crop rated in good to excellent condition an improvement from the previous week.
Alfalfa's second cutting was nearly finished at 95%, and the third cutting reached 52% completion. Hay condition was rated 82% good to excellent. Pasture and range conditions slightly declined to 75% rated good to excellent.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: Wisconsin, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, Alfalfa